Then we clothed ourselves like Armenian merchants, and after many days
reached Venice; and at last we agreed to go to London. For William had a
sister whom he was anxious to see once more.

So we came to England, and some time later I married William's sister,
with whom I am much more happy than I deserve.

* * * * *




CHARLES DICKENS


Barnaby Rudge


Charles Dickens, son of a clerk in the Navy Pay Office, was
born at Landport on February 7, 1812. Soon afterwards the
family removed to Chatham and then to London. With all their
efforts, they failed to keep out of distress, and at the age
of nine Dickens was employed at a blacking factory. With the
coming of brighter days, he was sent back to school;
afterwards a place was found for him in a solicitor's office.
In the meantime, his father had obtained a position as
reporter on the "Morning Herald," and Dickens, too, resolved
to try his fortune in that direction. Teaching himself
shorthand, and studying diligently at the British Museum, at
the age of twenty-two he secured permanent employment on the