TO JAMES PAYN, Esq.
Dear Payn,
Spirits much more rare and valuable than those spoken of in this
book are yours. Whatever 'Mediums' may be able to do, you can
'transfer' High Spirits to your readers; one of whom does not hope
to convert you, and will be fortunate enough if, by this work, he
can occasionally bring a smile to the lips of his favourite
novelist.
With more affection and admiration than can be publicly expressed,
Believe me,
Yours ever,