Response to a Fan Letter of Sorts

CHARLES DICKENS

One day Charles Dickens received a letter from a little boy who had been so interested in the story of Nicholas Nickleby that the characters of Smike, Mrs. Squeers, Fanny, and the rest seemed to be really alive. He hated Fanny, and in the spirit of revenge drew an ugly picture of her. Dickens, realizing the little fellow felt so strongly, took time out to write the child in reply.

413

Respected Sir,—

. . . Fanny Squeers shall be attended to, depend upon it, Your drawing of her is very like, except that I don’t think the hair is quite curly enough. The nose is particularly like hers, and so are the legs. She is a nasty disagreeable thing and I know it will make her very cross when she sees it, and what I say is that I hope it may. You will say the same I know—at least I think you will.

I meant to have written you a long letter but I cannot write very fast when I like the person I am writing to, because that makes me think about them and I like you, and so I tell you. Besides, it is just eight o’clock at night and I always go to bed at eight o’clock except when it is my birthday, and then I sit up to supper, so I will not say anything more besides this, and that is my love to you and Neptune, and if you will drink my health every Christmas Day, I will drink yours.

I am, respected Sir, Your affectionate friend,

Charles Dickens

P.S. I don’t write my name very plain but you know what it is, you know, so never mind.