Page:The Story of the House of Cassell (book).djvu/154

The Story of the House of Cassell

Only one letter of the novelist has been preserved, and that deals with nothing more exciting than the technique of illustration; but in the discussion of such an abstruse subject as the comparative merits of horizontal or upright pictures there is a twinkle of Reade's humour. The vertical picture he dubs "small and childish," having insufficient space "to present a dramatic situation":

"In black and white it generally takes three at least to make a picture: on the vertical block there is not room for three figures well placed—even two are often huddled. To the vertical block we owe that system of amusing duet, of which the magazines are full. A ponderously tall gentleman is seen talking to a ponderously tall lady in a room furnished with the section of a tea-table. What are they talking about? Oh, you must read the text to learn that. In other words, the writer must illustrate the sketch that is paid for to illustrate the writer."

There is Reade's honest, hearty ring in the concluding paragraph:

"I trust, my dear Sir, neither you nor the artist will think these remarks dictatorial. They are not so intended. . . . I may be wrong in my views of art, but I cannot feign doubt when I do not feel it. Having said my say, I can only add that I shall always be pleased to communicate my ideas, if they are welcome; and, if not, I shall never complain."

Wilkie Collins was also a contributor at this time. He was a singularly painstaking author, and not merely in the elaboration of his plots, for his MS. was corrected over and over again with meticulous care. Other writers for Cassell's Magazine during Manville Fenn's editorship were Hesba Stretton and Theo. Gift, the latter of whom, on her arrival from Montevideo, wrote sketches and verses, and later a charming serial story entitled "Pretty Miss Bellew."

In 1874 Fenn resigned the editorship of the magazine in which his wholesome and cheery character was so well reflected. His memory lingers pleasantly at the Yard to this day. Mr. Charles Harrison, for some years publishing

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