Now that the time is come for taking leave, I find that the words I have
to add are very few indeed.
We part until next November. It is a long parting between us, but if I
have left you anything by which to remember me, in the meanwhile, with no
unkind or distant feelings—anything by which I may be associated in
spirit with your firesides, homes, and blameless pleasures—I am happy.
Believe me it has ever been my true desire to add to the common stock of
healthful cheerfulness, good humour, and good-will, and trust me when I
return to England and to another tale of English life and manners, I
shall not slacken in this zealous work.
I take the opportunity for thanking all those who have addressed me by
letter since the appearance of the foregoing announcement; and of
expressing a hope that they will rest contented with this form of
acknowledgment, as their number renders it impossible to me to answer
them individually.
I bid farewell to them and all my readers with a regret that we feel in
taking leave of Friends who have become endeared to us by long and close
communication; and I look forward with truthfulness and pleasure to our
next meeting.
_November_, 1841.