CHARLES DICKENS’ FIRST LOVE

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2431, 20 February 1909, Page 9 (Supplement)

CHARLES DICKENS’ FIRST LOVE

THE DORA OF “DAVID COPPERFIELD.” Dickeusiana have received an interresting addition by the publication oi authentic letters which passed between the author of '“David Copperfield,” and the original of David’s child wife. Dora. The correspondence is in a little book privately printed for the Bibliophile Society of Boston, and proves only too plainly the autobiographical nature of a large portion of David Copper lie Id’s love affairs and of Arthur ClenmaiTs in ‘’Little Dorrit” in later days. Tile Dora and the Flora Finching were, in fact, one, in different stages of development. The illusion and disillusion are faithfully reflected in ihe,e letters ibat passed between Charles Dickens and Maria Beadnell, whom tlie author met in 1532. and straightway become infatuated with her. She was the daughter or a manager of a London bank. Her parents opposed Dickens' advances, and the girl was fickle as well. Her refusal was cold and final, and Dickons, two years later, married Catharine Hogarth. Miss Beadnell shortly afterwards becoming Mrs. Henry L. Winter. Twenty years passed and Mrs. Winter revived the former acquaintance by - writing to Dickens—now the father of nine children. The novelist, rich and famous, responded in a sentimental vein, telling Mrs. Winter that she was his Cop perfiold heroine, that the novel authentically mirrors the passion he once felt for her, and subscribing himself “Ever ■affectionately yours/’ Another letter of Ins. beginning “My dear Maria,” suggested that Mrs Winter should call at his house on Sunday, politely inquiring first for Mrs. Dickens, who undoubtedly would not be in. The lady kept the trvst, but time with its ravages had made a difference. She had grown stout and florid, and was no longer beautiful, although as much of the coquette as ever. The disillusionment was complete, and Dickens thereafter was cold and distant, contriving by hi s letters. the tone of which verged on downright unmannerliness, to'kill off the correspondence. Three rears later her husband having suffered business reverses, Mrs Winter appealed to Dickens to lend them money. Dickens sent his regrets, and again when ho hoard of the death of her father.