22–28 October 1866

Dreams. I have often experienced, and again last night, in my dreams, the surprise and curi- osity of a stranger or indifferent observer to the trait or the motive and Information communi- cated. Thus some refractory youth, of whom I had some guidance or authority, expressed very frankly his dissent and dislike, disliked my way of laughing. I was curious to under- stand the objection, and endeavoured to pene- trate and appreciate it, and, of course, with the usual misfortune, that, when I woke and at- tempted to recover the specification, .which was remarkable, it was utterly forgotten. But the fact that I, who must be the author of both parts of the dialogue, am thus remote and in- quisitive in regard to one part, is ever wonder- ful.

Success in your work, the finding a better method, the better understanding that insures the better performing, is hat and coat, is food and wine, is fire and horse and health and holi- day. At least, I find that any success in my work has the effect on my spirits of all these.