Charles the Third
11: the Victorians can beat us in appreciation of literature, we have the edge in our profound sexual knowledge of Victorian authors. Many a Roots' book-lover, ignorant of The Stones of Venice, knows more about John's relations with Effie than the most assiduous Marchioness at the keyhole. And our innocence of Past and Present, even of Vanity Fair and Alice, need not prevent a thorough acquaintance with the intimate problems of Tom, Will and Charlie. The familiar mode of address is no doubt suited to the familiarity of the subject. In his contribution to the question of Dickens's relations with Ellen Ternan, Felix Aylmer begins by writing 'Dickens,' but by page 29 is writing 'Charles' with the best of them. Perhaps the explanation is that Miss Ternan was always called 'Nelly,' and so by a natural associa- tion of ideas Dickens becomes Charles the Third.
Though so infelicitous in style, Mr. Aylmer's book makes a good detective story. We can sym- pathise with him for having to leave Ellen Ternan almost as obscure as he found her; it is more sur- prising that a distinguished actor should not have recognised the touch of the actor as well as the novelist behind the mystery in which Dickens involved both his mistress and their (probable) child. One of Mr. Aylmer's chief points will not appeal to everyone. He tries to get confirmation of the date of the seduction by inventing a 'notable change of spirit' between Hard Times, Little Dort* and A Tale of Two Cities in courtship days and Great Expectations, Our Mutual Friend and Edwin Drood after the siege had been successful. Those who think Little Dori* and Hard Times to be among the greatest achievements of Victorian literature may regret that the citadel did not hold out longer.
R. C. CHURCHILL
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