At that time, Thackeray, the older man, was still doubting, still hesitating, still struggling.

Everyone then had accepted the name of Charles Dickens.

That of William Thackeray was hardly known beyond the circle of those who are careful to make themselves acquainted with such matters.

It was then the custom, more generally than it is at present, to maintain anonymous writing in magazines.

Now, if anything of special merit be brought out, the name of the author, if not published, is known.