Dickens was one year his junior in age, and at this time, viz.

1837-38, had reached almost the zenith of his reputation.

_Pickwick_ had been published, and _Oliver Twist_ and _Nicholas Nickleby_ were being published.

All the world was talking about the young author who was assuming his position with a confidence in his own powers which was fully justified both by his present and future success.

It was manifest that he could make, not only his own fortune, but that of his publishers, and that he was a literary hero bound to be worshipped by all literary grades of men, down to the "devils" of the printing-office.