[Charles Lever, Irish novelist, anticipates receiving a copy of George Eliot's 'Felix Holt'.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Charles Lever') to 'Lady [Alford?]', regarding his reading of English novels in Italy, including one by Charles Reade.

Depressed and paranoid, Lever spent his last days in Italy. For the Villa Morelli, see his Downey's 'Life in his Letters' (1906). 2pp, 12mo. On aged and creased paper, with closed tears to edges, but no loss. Folded twice. The handwriting is neat and controlled, but not always entirely legible. He begins with the news that he is returning 'the books you so kindly lent me'. Presumably referring to Charles Reade's 1866 novel 'Griffith Gaunt', Lever writes: 'Mr Reade is all you said of him, - often very amusing, & oftener very [?]'. A reference to 'the pleasanter reading' follows. He then writes: 'I am shocked & ashamed to own that I have not yet received Felix Holt. & I have to entreat both your forgiveness & good patience.' He is sending her 'a Novel by an anonymous Author - perhaps when you read it you will be of opinion that he was well advised not to disclose himself.' It is however 'a [dreary?] time of the year & in keeping with a stupid story'.