The Charles Dickens Letters Project

To MISS MARION ELY,1 19 JANUARY 1859

Text from facsimile in Lyon & Turnbull online catalogue, Oct 2019.

TAVISTOCK HOUSE

TAVISTOCK SQUARE, LONDON W.C.

Wednesday Nineteenth January 1859.

My Dear Marion2

           I assure you with utmost truthfulness and heartiness, that the love of our old times is strong within me, and that I never see your handwriting – far less, yourself – without a genuine interest and affection. I would have gladly come tonight if it had been possible; but (as the girls3 will tell you), I am doubly engaged, and have been so, a long long while.

           In the hope that we may make up a cheerful dinner here before long, and improvise a skirmishing dance after it, I send my love to Mary,4 and am ever

                                               Your faithful

                                               CHARLES DICKENS

Miss Ely.

• 1. Marion Elizabeth Ely (1820-1913), daughter of Charles Ely and Sara, née Rutt; niece of Rachel Talfourd (1792-1875), wife of CD's friend Thomas Noon Talfourd (1795-1854).
• 2. In this, the first currently known letter to Marion since Feb 1855, CD shifts from “My Dear Miss Ely” to “My Dear Marion”. The tone of the letter suggests a long break in their correspondence.
• 3. CD's daughters Mamie (1838-96) and Katey (1839-1929).
• 4. Mary Talfourd (1829-1901), daughter of Thomas and Rachel Talfourd; married since 1856 to William Wreford Major.