written-gesture.

[Illustration: NO. 16.--WRITTEN IN 1841]

[Illustration: NO. 17.--WRITTEN IN 1841.]

[Illustration: NO. 18.--WRITTEN IN 1843.]

[Illustration: CHARLES DICKENS READING "THE CHIMES," 1844.
_From the original Sketch by David Maelise, R.A._]

[Illustration:
CHARLES DICKENS AS "CAPTAIN BOBADIL" IN "EVERY MAN IN HIS HUMOUR."
_From a Painting by C.R. Leslie, R.A._]

In No. 16 we see another and very original form of the "Boz" signature.
No. 17 has a curious stroke of activity above the signature. No. 18 is a
fine, strong signature.

[Illustration: NO. 19.--WRITTEN IN 1845.]

[Illustration: NO. 20.--WRITTEN MAY 12, 1848. (PASS TO THE STAGE.)]

[Illustration:
CHARLES DICKENS AS "SIR CHARLES COLDSTREAM" IN "USED UP", 1850.
_From a Painting by Augustus Egg, R.A._]

No. 19 is remarkably vigorous and active. The well-controlled activity
and energy of the signatures are now strongly marked. No. 20 explains
itself; the curious _P_ of _Pass_ is worth notice.