Only, Thackeray edited the Cornhill until ’63 when, as you know, he died. His father had been with the East India Company where Peacock, of course, had held the position of Examiner, so it’s quite possible that if the essay were by Thackeray, the letter . . . Sorry. Go on. Of course, the East India Library in Blackfriars has most of Peacock’s letters, so it would be quite easy to . . . Sorry. Can I look?
BERNARD Was the letter to Thackeray?
HANNAH (Brought up short) I don’t know. Does it matter?
BERNARD No. Sorry.
But the gaps he leaves for her are false promises—and she is not quick enough. That’s how it goes.
Only, Thackeray edited the Cornhill until ’63 when, as you know, he died. His father had been with the East India Company where Peacock, of course, had held the position of Examiner, so it’s quite possible that if the essay were by Thackeray, the letter . . . Sorry. Go on. Of course, the East India Library in Blackfriars has most of Peacock’s letters, so it would be quite easy to . . . Sorry. Can I look?
Silently she hands him the Cornhill.
Yes, it’s been topped and tailed, of course. It might be worth . . . Go on. I’m listening . . . (Leafing through the essay, he suddenly chuckles.) Oh yes, it’s Thackeray all right . . . (He slaps the book shut.) Unbearable . . . (He hands it back to her.) What were you saying?
