to Mrs. Thomas Stevenson

October 1878.

MY DEAR MOTHER,—I have seen Hamerton; he was very kind, all his family seemed pleased to see an Inland Voyage, and the book seemed to be quite a household word with them.  P. G. himself promised to help me in my bargains with publishers, which, said he, and I doubt not very truthfully, he could manage to much greater advantage than I.  He is also to read an Inland Voyage over again, and send me his cuts and cuffs in private, after having liberally administered his kisses coram publico.  I liked him very much.  Of all the pleasant parts of my profession, I think the spirit of other men of letters makes the pleasantest.

Do you know, your sunset was very good?  The ‘attack’ (to speak learnedly) was so plucky and odd.  I have thought of it repeatedly since.  I have just made a delightful dinner by myself in the Café Félix, where I am an old established beggar, and am just smoking a cigar over my coffee.  I came last night from Autun, and I am muddled about my plans.  The world is such a dance!—Ever your affectionate son,

Robert Louis Stevenson.