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Introduction
Forster himself pointed out some of the principal differences between this first sketch and the story as it was finally written: “Fern the farm-labourer is not here, nor yet his niece the little Lilian (at first called Jessie), who is to give the tale its most tragical scene; and there are intimations of poetic fancy at the close of my sketch which the published story fell short of.” Other differences remain still to be mentioned. For example, the story as it now stands leaves no place for the christening of the neighbour’s child which was at first intended to occupy Toby’s New Year’s Eve; and the contemplated exposure of Sir Joseph Dowley has been omitted altogether. But the most striking and important change of all is that in the publishedwill dash in to kiss Meg before Toby, and have the first kiss of the new year (he’ll get it too); and the neighbours will crowd round with good wishes; and a band will strike up gaily (Toby knows a Drum in private); and the altered circumstances, and the ringing of the bells, and the jolly music, will so transports the old fellow that he will lead off a country dance forthwith in an entirely new step, consisting of his old familiar trot. Then quoth the inimitable—Was it a dream of Toby’s after all? Or is Toby but a dream? and Meg a dream? and all a dream! In reference to which, and the realities of which dreams are born, the inimitable will be wiser than he can be now, writing for dear life, with the post just going, and the brave C. booted. … Ah, how I hate myself, my dear fellow, for this lame and halting outline of the Vision I have in mind. But it must go to you … You will say what is best for the frontispiece.”
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