Dickens' Coffee Story

摘要

Any story from Charles Dickens would be eagerly read today. Especially one which was little known. And here is the perfect answer to the hope for such a story, for this one is not only authentic, but comes from the cherished letters and papers left behind when the noted author died.As is well known by all who have dipped into the life story of this outstanding writer, he commenced life poor. So poor that he had to go to work at a very early age, and to eke out the family resources went to work, as many know, in a London blacking factory! Blacking! That strange method of making the boots shine like jet! The stuff was pulpy, not too mention smelly. It was wrapped in queer paper, and to use it one had to mix it with vinegar, or water, and though the stuff did give shine to the boots, its main ingredient was supplied by the one who cleaned the boots in the form of generous helpings of 'elbow grease'. In other words one had to brush jolly hard to make this stuff impart any shine at all.