It was written on the 2nd of November, 1866, and reached me at Brest.

It was written to congratulate me on my second marriage, and among the great number which I received on that occasion is one of the most warm-hearted:-- * * * * * "MY DEAR TROLLOPE,--I should have written immediately to congratulate you on your then approaching marriage, and to assure you of my most cordial and affectionate interest in all that nearly concerns you, had I known how best to address you.
"No friend that you have can be more truly attached to you than I am.
I congratulate you with all my heart, and believe that your marriage will stand high upon the list of happy ones.

As to your wife's winning a high reputation out of your house--if you care for that; it is not much as an addition to the delights of love and peace and a suitable companion for life--I have not the least doubt of her power to make herself famous.
"I little thought what an important master of the ceremonies I was when I first gave your present wife an introduction to your mother.
Bear me in your mind then as the unconscious instrument of your having given your best affection to a worthy object, and I shall be the best paid master of the ceremonies since Nash drove his coach and six through the streets of Bath.
"Faithfully yours, "CHARLES DICKENS." * * * * * Among a heap of others I find a note of invitation written on the 9th of July, 1867, in which he says: "My 'readings' secretary, whom I am despatching to America at the end of this week, will dine with me at Verey's in Regent Street at six exact to be wished God-speed.

There will only be besides, Wills, Wilkie Collins, and Mr.Arthur Chappell.
Will you come?
No dress.

Evening left quite free." I went, and the God-speed party was a very pleasant one.