Page:The life and writings of Alexandre Dumas (1802-1870) (IA lifewritingsofal00spurrich).pdf/143

 reverence (which it would be foolish to take au sérieux), and above all, his gaiety, to be omitted. The first is to Charles Nodier, and is dated September 2nd, 1836:—

",—My great idler, my illustrious confrère, you who know the Past and the Present better than God himself—I don't speak of the future lest I humiliate Him too much—be good enough to tell me who originated this fatal mania of autograph-hunting of which you and I are victims. Someone has asked me this and I didn't know what to say; or rather I replied that I had my Charles, who knew everything, and that I would write to him.

"Ten lines, I beg, my good Nodier; I will come and thank you for them on Sunday next. You see that you do not get rid of me easily!

"Adieu! I reverence you as a master, I love you as a brother, and respect you as a son.

The second letter, dated 1849, is to the critic and influential journalist, Jules Janin:—

",—You know of the death of poor little Maillet? We have buried her this morning. She leaves a mother and a young child.

"The mother is 87. Help us to the best of your