TO MR. BLACKWOOD.
I enclose the concluding proof of ‘The Athelings.’ ‘Charles V.’ I will send after you on Monday, if that will do, as I trust it will. We set off on Saturday for Birkenhead, and I have innumerable babies’ frocks to look after, begging your pardon for postponing the dignified demands of literature to such small considerations.
December 21.
I have intended for a few weeks back to ask you whether you thought you were likely to have an opening for a story of mine at or about Midsummer next. I have something in my mind which I daresay will get worked out by that time, and which I should like to send to you. I mention this so long beforehand because we have been making arrangements to go abroad at the end of next summer, and to spend the winter in Italy, the principal inducement being my husband’s health, which has not been very strong lately, and which that I trust would set to rights. We shall require, of course, to make considerable preparations for this.