n agreeable music as it
patters off (at a rate which astonishes this experienced novelist) the
early chapters of a humorous romance; from still further off--the walls
of Baker's are neither ancient nor massive--rumours of Valentine about
the kitchen stove come to my ears; of my mother and Fanny I hear
nothing, for the excellent reason that they have gone sparking off, one
to Niagara, one to Indianapolis. People complain that I never give news
in my letters. I have wiped out that reproach.

But now, _Fourth_, I have seen the article; and it may be from natural
partiality, I think it the best you have written. O--I remember the
Gautier, which was an excellent performance; and the Balzac, which was
good; and the Daudet, over which I licked my chops; but the R. L. S. is
better yet. It is so humorous, and it hits my little frailties with so
neat (and so friendly) a touch; and Alan is the occasion for so much
happy talk, and the quarrel is so generously praised. I read it twice,
though it was only some hours in my possession; and Low, who got it for
me from the Century, sat up to finish it ere he returned it; and, sir,
we were all delighted. Here is the paper out, nor will anything, not
even friendship, not even gratitude for the article, induce me to begin
a second sheet; so here, with the kindest remembrances and the warmest
good wishes, I remain, yours affectionately,

R. L. S.

TO CHARLES BAXTER

_[Saranac Lake], 18th November 1887._

MY DEAR CHARLES,--No likely I'm going to waste a sheet of paper.... I am
offered L1600 ($8000) for the American serial rights on my next story!
As you say, times are changed since the Lothian Road. Well, the Lothian
Road was grand fun too; I could take an afternoon of it with great
delight. But I'm awfu' grand noo, and long may it last!

Remember me to any of the faithful--if there are any left. I wish I
could have a crack with you.--Yours ever affectionately,

R. L. S.

I find I have forgotten more than I remembered of business.... Please
let us know (if you know) for how much Skerryvore is let; you will here
detect the female mind; I let it for what I could get; nor shall the
possession of this knowledge (which I am happy to have forgot) increase
the amount by so much as the shadow of a sixpenny piece; but my females
are agog.--Yours ever,

R. L. S.

TO CHARLES SCRIBNER

Shortly after the date of the present correspondence Stevenson, t