CHAPTER VIII.

Increasing reputation -- Later writings in 'Fraser' -- 'Mrs. Perkins's Ball,' with Thackeray's Illustrations -- Early Vicissitudes of 'Pencil Sketches of English Society' -- Thackeray's connection with the Temple -- Appearance of 'Vanity Fair,' with the Author's original Illustrations -- Appreciative notice in the 'Edinburgh Review' -- The impression produced -- 'Our Street,' with Titmarsh's Pencillings of some of its Inhabitants -- The History of Pendennis,' illustrated by the Author -- 'Dr. Birch and his Young Friends,' with illustrations by M. A. Titmarsh -- 'Rebecca and Rowena' -- The Dignity of Literature and the 'Examiner' and 'Morning Chronicle' newspapers -- Sensitiveness to Hostile Criticism -- The 'Kickleburys on the Rhine,' with illustrations by M. A. Titmarsh -- Adverse bias of the 'Times' newspaper -- Thackeray's reply -- An 'Essay on Thunder and Small Beer' 161