Copy of letter from
The Rt. Honble. Augustine Birrell, M.P.
The Pightle,
- Sheringham,
- Norfolk,
- Sheringham,
My dear Arrowsmith,
I do not remember who first bade me read The Diary of a Nobody, the early version of which in Punch I had strangely overlooked. It must have been done in casual conversation. But what a casualty! I dare not tell you my view of "Charles Pooter." I rank him with Don Quixote. It is a matter of great pride with me and all in this house, that our name is borne by one of the characters in this bit of Immortality—by an illiterate charwoman, it is true, who never touched a book—but what of that? I am there.
I know you think you have published many good things in your day—and I do not doubt it, but you need never worry, for as the publisher of that little book about the home-life of Herbert Spencer (by "Two") and this Diary, your name will be carried far down the River of Time, and may even reach the Sea.
- Yours most sincerely,
