But it is proof of the popularity of the book.

Print and illustrate and bind up some novels how you will, no one will buy them.

Previous to these costly volumes, there have been two entire editions of his works since the author's death, one comparatively cheap and the other dear.

Before his death his stories had been scattered in all imaginable forms.

I may therefore assert that their charm has been proved by their popularity.
There remains for us only this question,--whether the nature of Thackeray's works entitle him to be called a cynic.