第47章

LONDON, MAY 20, 1862.

[The following speech was made by Mr.Dickens, in his capacity as chairman, at the annual Festival of the Newsvendors' and Provident Institution, held at the Freemasons' Tavern on the above date.]

WHEN I had the honour of being asked to preside last year, I was prevented by indisposition, and I besought my friend, Mr.Wilkie Collins, to reign in my stead.He very kindly complied, and made an excellent speech.Now I tell you the truth, that I read that speech with considerable uneasiness, for it inspired me with a strong misgiving that I had better have presided last year with neuralgia in my face and my subject in my head, rather than preside this year with my neuralgia all gone and my subject anticipated.

Therefore, I wish to preface the toast this evening by making the managers of this Institution one very solemn and repentant promise, and it is, if ever I find myself obliged to provide a substitute again, they may rely upon my sending the most speechless man of my acquaintance.