Chapter 5


Photograph

Thackeray’s manuscript of “Though we never say it,” MS Eng 951.17 (12).

“Though we never say it/ Yet the secret rests”, undated.

While they both felt very strongly towards one another, Thackeray and Jane most likely maintained a chaste relationship. Thackeray was very attracted to Jane, but felt she couldn’t possibly reciprocate the same feelings. This poem, probably never shared with her, reveals his feelings for Jane and his sadness for their situation.

MS Eng 951.17 (12). Gift of Herbert L. Carlebach, 1949.