dignity to maintain which would be deranged by a too cordial recognition of the claims of an obscure author, I suppose there is every reason to be satisfied.
"Meantime a brisk sale would be effectual support under the hauteur of lofty critics. I am, Gentlemen, yours respectfully,
MESSRS. SMITH, ELDER, AND CO.
"Gentlemen,—I have to acknowledge the receipt of yours of the 11th inst., and to thank you for the information it communicates. The notice from the 'People's Journal' also duly reached me, and this morning I received the 'Spectator.' The critique in the 'Spectator' gives that view of the book which will naturally be taken by a certain class of minds; I shall expect it to be followed by other notices of a similar nature. The way to detraction has been pointed out, and will probably be pursued. Most future notices will in all likelihood have a reflection of the 'Spectator' in them. I fear this turn of opinion will not improve the demand for the book—but time will show. If 'Jane Eyre' has any solid worth in it, it ought to weather a gust of unfavourable wind. I am, Gentlemen, yours respectfully,
