I have observed that, in all our many conversations on Italian matters, Dickens's views and opinions coincided with my own, without, I think, any point of divergence.

Very specially was this the case as regards all that concerned the Vatican and the doings of the Curia.

How well I remember his arched eyebrows and laughing eyes when I told him of Garibaldi's proposal that all priests should be summarily executed! I think it modified his ideas of the possible utility of Garibaldi as a politician.
Then comes an invitation to "my Falstaff house at Gadshill." Here is a letter of the 17th February, 1866, which I will give _in extenso_, bribed again by the very flattering words in which the writer speaks of our friendship:-- * * * * * "MY DEAR TROLLOPE,--I am heartily glad to hear from you.

It was such a disagreeable surprise to find that you had left London" [I had been called away at an hour's notice] "on the occasion of your last visit without my having seen you, that I have never since got it out of my mind.

I felt as if it were my fault (though I don't know how that can have been), and as if I had somehow been traitorous to the earnest and affectionate regard with which you have inspired me.
"The lady's verses are accepted by the editorial potentate, and shall presently appear." [I am ashamed to say that I totally forget who the lady was.] "I am not quite well, and am being touched up (or down) by the doctors.