'I am always glad when a clever book has been written; not only because it pleases me, but because it is a new triumph for Brains. I have had very great pleasure in reading the stories; it is very difficult to say what they are made of, but they are very agreeable, and I beg for more. There is only one I dislike, it is too inocent for me - and yet I consider myself a very innocent person. I never read any stories which had so much the manners and conversation of real life; all aim at it, none have ever succeeded so well. I always write to everybody who publishes a book that gives me pleasure - so excuse me and believe me, dear Lady Dacre, ever sincerely yours...'