together; no doubt they wish to ascertain that point.  Pardon me if I add, that in satisfying their cautious and anxious inquiries as to your influence with these persons, it may be wise to throw a little shade of mystery, and not to tell everything too openly at first; because, when objects are clearly defined, they do not affect our imaginations as when they are somewhat concealed....  Vast as the project seems, held up as it will be by personages of wealth, interests, politics, etc., whenever it is once set up, I should have no fears for the results, which are indeed the most important that one can well conceive....  Had the editor of “Paul Jones” consulted me a little, I could probably have furnished him with the account of the miserable end of his hero; and I am astonished it is not found, as you tell me, in your American biography. [Footnote:  The last paragraph in Mr. D’Israeli’s letter refers to “The Life of Paul Jones,” which has been already mentioned.  As the novel “Aylmer Papillon,” written in 1824, was never published, the preface to “Paul Jones” was Benjamin’s first appearance as an author.]

Meanwhile, young Disraeli still remained with Mr. Lockhart at
Chiefswood.

Mr. B, Disraeli to John Murray.

September, 1825.

MY DEAR SIR,

I am quite sure, that upon the business I am upon now every line will be acceptable, and I therefore make no apology for this hurried despatch.  I have just received a parcel from Oliver & Boyd.  I transmitted a letter from M. to Wright, and which [Footnote:  This is an ungrammatical construction which Lord Beaconsfield to the end of his days never abandoned. Vide letter on p. 318 and Lothair passim.—­T.M.] was for your mutual consideration, to you, via Chronometer, last Friday.  I afterwards received a note from you, dated Chichester, and fearing from that circumstance that some confusion would arise, I wrote a few lines to you at Mr. Holland’s. [Footnote:  The Rev. W. Holland, Mr. Murray’s brother-in-law, was a minor canon of Chichester.] I now find that you will be in town on Monday, on which day I rather imagine the said letter from M. to Wright will arrive.  I therefore trust that the suspected confusion will not arise.

I am very much obliged to you for your letters; but I am very sorry that you have incurred any trouble, when it is most probable that I shall not use them.  The Abbotsford and Chiefswood families have placed me on such a friendly and familiar footing, that it is utterly impossible for me to leave them while there exists any chance of M.’s going to England.  M. has introduced me to most of the neighbouring gentry, and receives with a loud laugh any mention of my return to Edinburgh.  I dined with Dr. Brewster the other day.  He has a pretty place near Melrose.  It is impossible for me to give to you any written idea of the beauty and unique character of Abbotsford. Adio!