The subject of your note is not quite a new one to me; and therefore I answer it sooner than, from its great importance to me, I otherwise should. Two years, I think, have nearly elapsed since our conversations respecting the Editorship of the Quarterly; in that interval I have made advances enough in my profession to keep me in good heart about it; but they are of a nature which certainly, at present, and I think for a long time, are likely not to be incompatible with the labours of the Review. I do not, however, disguise from myself that I run some risk in accepting your kind and flattering offer; but I have made up my mind to that.
When, indeed, I consider the magnitude of the concern to you, and its importance to the public, it is impossible for me not to feel much diffidence as to the manner in which I shall meet your expectations, and those of a great number of kind friends. However, I cannot suppose that you have not well weighed what you know and have heard of me, before you make the offer; and I can only say that the Review, so long as I conduct it, shall have, what it is entitled to, my best exertions in its support.
There is no one whom I would sooner meet on the subject than Mr. Locker; and I will see him at any hour he pleases, either here, at the Athenæum, or in Albemarle Street. But the tone of your note makes me feel confident that there will be no points of difficulty to arrange; and perhaps we could settle everything as easily in person. Time seems to me important.
| 166 | MEMOIRS OF JOHN MURRAY |
I shall dine with you with great pleasure on Thursday next, and remain, my dear Sir,
