'I tell [Mr Aide] my "honest opinion" of his [italics] first [end italics] volume at any rate: It introduces one just exactly into the kid of disrepuble [sic] society one keeps clear of with such scrupulous care in real life, - it is not merely [italics] one [end italics] character that is none of the best, - but every one we get a glimpse of is the same description of person. I don't think it is "corrupting" but it is disagreeable, - a sort of dragging one's peticoats through mud. I wish the little gentleman, - who really seems more than commonly good (for a man, - begging your & your son's pardon) had not written this book; because it gives one a sort of distrust of his previous life.'