Dickens and his Punch.

Te Aroha News, Volume II, Issue 100, 2 May 1885, Page 5

Dickens and his Punch.

Mr George Dolby, in his book on Charles Dickens, relates the following : Knowing Lord Russell's very temperate habits, he had ordered a bottle of punch to be packed in his portmanteau, intending (as Lord and Lady Ruesell always retired early) to mix his own grog when he went to his room. While talking with hit host and hostess in the drawing-room before dinner, Lord Russell's valet mtered and asked Mr Dickens for the kty of his portmanteau, so that he might have his things in readiness for him when he should need to dress for dinner. Remombering the punch, he thanked the valet, and said he "would put out his things himself." The conversation continued, and when the dressing - bell rang Mr Dickens went to hisjrooir, where he was amazed to find his dressing-tablo arranged from the contents of his travelling-bag (which had not been locked), and his bottlo of punch placed on the mantel-shelf, with a tumbler, wine-glass, and corkscrew placed beside it. At this spectacle he was troubled in 3pirit. At about half-past ten, the early hour observed by Lord Russell's household, he rose to wish his host and hostess "goodnight," when Lady Russell, with a laugh, in which her husband joined her, said, " Don't be in a hurry, the tray will be here in a minute." At this moment the servant came in with a tray, on which were all the materials for the manufacture of punch. " Just the same," said Dickens, "as it always was at Gad's Bill." The incident amused him a good deal, and gave him one one more stcry to tell against himself.