been one of the most
intimate and trusted friends of Stevenson's father, and R. L. S.
turns to him accordingly for memories and impressions.

[_Saranac Lake, Winter 1887-88._]

MY DEAR DR. CHARTERIS,--I have asked Douglas and Foulis to send you my
last volume, so that you may possess my little paper on my father in a
permanent shape; not for what that is worth, but as a tribute of respect
to one whom my father regarded with such love, esteem, and affection.
Besides, as you will see, I have brought you under contribution, and I
have still to thank you for your letter to my mother; so more than kind;
in much, so just. It is my hope, when time and health permit, to do
something more definite for my father's memory. You are one of the very
few who can (if you will) help me. Pray believe that I lay on you no
obligation; I know too well, you may believe me, how difficult it is to
put even two sincere lines upon paper, where all, too, is to order. But
if the spirit should ever move you, and you should recall something
memorable of your friend, his son will heartily thank you for a note of
it.--With much respect, believe me, yours sincerely,

ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON.

TO EDMUND GOSSE

[_Saranac Lake, March 31, 1888._]

MY DEAR GOSSE,--Why so plaintive? Either the post-office has played us
false, or you were in my debt. In case it should be my letter that has
failed to come to post, I must tell again the fate of Mrs. Gosse's
thermometer. It hangs in our sitting-room, where it has often marked
freezing point and below; "See what Gosse says," is a common word of
command. But the point is this: in the verandah hangs another
thermometer, condemned to register minus 40 deg. and that class of
temperatures; and to him, we have given the name of the Quarterly
Reviewer. I hope the jape likes you.

Please tell the Fortnightly man that I am sorry but I can do nothing of
that sort this year, as I am under a pledge to Scribner's; and indeed my
monthly articles take the best of my time. It was a project I went into
with horrid diffidence; and lucre was my only motive. I get on better
than I expected, but it is difficult to find an article of the sort
required for each date, and to vary the matter and keep up (if possible)
the merit. I do not know if you think I have at all succeeded; it seemed
to me this really worked paper was more money's worth (as well as
probably better within my means) than the Lang busi