HARRISON AINSWORTH.

I published quite half-a-dozen three-volume fictions for Harrison Ainsworth, the author of “Jack Sheppard.” It was strange how hard Mr. Ainsworth would contend that his highwayman book had no bad moral tendency; and I am afraid the older the gallant old author grew, the more singular he was in that opinion. I published several very readable semi-historical fictions for Mr. Ainsworth; the one called “Boscobel” is perhaps the most interesting book.

Mr. Ainsworth was a capital man of business to deal with. He too used to boast of having been a publisher in early life; and he was more than proud of having known Sir Walter Scott, and that the great author had praised one of his early books.

Of course, Ainsworth was very indignant with Cruikshank for trying to claim part authorship of the books he illustrated. In fact, that wild idea in his old days did the famous old artist much harm; but his age excused him a good deal in the minds of those who knew him best.

JOHN CORDY JEAFFRESON.

I only remember meeting John Cordy Jeaffreson once. He was then a very fair writer of fiction, and author of some very readable volumes about lawyers and doctors. Some years ago he called at my office on some matter of business upon which we, I think, did not agree; but our interview was cut short in peculiar way.