I have seen the doctor, who has given me commands about the
hundredth number. I shall send him my share from Paris in a
day or two, and hope I shall do a good deal in the diligence
to-morrow. He reiterates his determination to write monthly
for you and deliver over the proceeds to me. Will you,
therefore, have the goodness to give the bearer a check (in
my wife's name) for the amount of his contributions for the
last two months? Mrs. Thackeray will give you a receipt for
the same. You have already Maginn's authority.
Now comes another and not a very pleasant point on which I
must speak. I hereby give notice that I shall strike for
wages. You pay more to others, I find, than to me, and so I
intend to make some fresh conditions about Yellowplush. I
shall write no more of that gentleman's remarks except at
the rate of twelve guineas a sheet and with a drawing for
each number in which his story appears--the drawing two
guineas.
Pray do not be angry at this decision on my part; it is
simply a bargain which it is my duty to make. Bad as he is,
Mr. Yellowplush is the most popular contributor to your
magazine, and ought to be paid accordingly; if he does not
deserve more than the Monthly Nurse or the Blue Friars, I am
a Dutchman. I have been at work upon his adventures to-day,
and will send them to you or not, as you like; but in common
regard for myself I won't work under prices.
Well, I dare say you will be very indignant, and swear I am
the most mercenary of individuals. Not so. But I am a better
workman than most of your crew, and desire a better price.
You must not, I repeat, be angry or, because we differ as
tradesmen, break off our connection as friends.
Believe me that, whether I write for you or not, I shall
always be glad of your friendship, and anxious to have your
good opinion. I am, ever, my dear Fraser (independent of L
s. d.), very truly yours,