The following invitation in rhyme, written
by Charles Dickens, is addressed to Mark
Lemon, the editor of Punch. It is signed by
Charles Dickens as "T. Sparkler" (his signa-
ture as such is said to be unique), and by his
wife and the two daughters, Mary and Katie.
Mrs. Dickens' sister, Miss Georgina Hogarth,
who is still living, was a member of the house-
hold at the time, and signed the invitation.
About the time of separating from his wife,
Dickens had a falling out with Mark Lemon
and positively forbade the children " ever to
see him or to speak to him," as will be seen
by the letter printed on page 144.