Chapter 2

Dickens becomes a solicitor's clerk in 1827; then a reporter; his experiences in that capacity; first story published in _The Old Monthly Magazine_ for January, 1834; writes more "Sketches"; power of minute observation thus early shown; masters the writer's art; is paid for his contributions to the _Chronicle_; marries Miss Hogarth on April 2, 1836; appearance at that date; power of physical endurance; admirable influence of his peculiar education; and its drawbacks 27