Letter from Charles Dickens, London, to Angela Burdett-Coutts, 1852 April 12 : autograph manuscript signed.

Expressing his pleasure that she agrees that an essay on the Home in Household Words is a good idea; saying "I think it would do a great deal of good - especially in impressing on people the sensible point you state in your note - which I sincerely believe to be the whole truth and wisdom of the case. You shall see the Proof before the article is published;" taking responsibility for Mr. Forster and saying "He spoke to me on the subject of your last series of evenings and his invitation thereunto, and, after shewing me (which indeed I knew beforehand) that they fell at times when he was much engaged with his own occupations and was obliged to be regular and to get up early, asked me if I would tell you that he was very sensible of your kind remembrance, though unable to avail himself of it at the time? I utterly discouraged any such proceeding, as seeming to be self-important; and told him that he had much better leave it alone, and not seem to suppose that his absence was of any moment to anybody. I am bound to add that he appeared by no means clear that I was right, but submitted. Therefore it is really my fault. And my modesty - or my innoculation of him with that disorder - is alone to blame;" adding, in a postscript, "I have not yet got Mr. Chesterton's answer, about the Refuge real or supposed, but expect it every moment."