On my arrival in London, having a letter of introduction to Charles Dickens, which a mutual friend had given to me, I resolved to present it.

Charles Dickens was an idol of my college days, and I had spent a few minutes with him in Philadelphia during his recent visit to the United States.

He had returned from his triumphal tour about a month before I landed in Liverpool.

I called at his house, but he was not at home.

The next day he did me the honor to call on me at Morley's Hotel, and, not finding me in, invited me up to his house near York Gate, Regents Park.