to Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Stevenson

Chalet Solitude, May 5, [1883].

MY DEAREST PEOPLE,—I have had a great piece of news.  There has been offered for Treasure Island—how much do you suppose?  I believe it would be an excellent jest to keep the answer till my next letter.  For two cents I would do so.  Shall I?  Anyway, I’ll turn the page first.  No—well—A hundred pounds, all alive, O!  A hundred jingling, tingling, golden, minted quid.  Is not this wonderful?  Add that I have now finished, in draft, the fifteenth chapter of my novel, and have only five before me, and you will see what cause of gratitude I have.

The weather, to look at the per contra sheet, continues vomitable; and Fanny is quite out of sorts.  But, really, with such cause of gladness, I have not the heart to be dispirited by anything.  My child’s verse book is finished, dedication and all, and out of my hands—you may tell Cummy; Silverado is done, too, and cast upon the waters; and this novel so near completion, it does look as if I should support myself without trouble in the future.  If I have only health, I can, I thank God.  It is dreadful to be a great, big man, and not be able to buy bread.

O that this may last!

I have to-day paid my rent for the half year, till the middle of September, and got my lease: why they have been so long, I know not.

I wish you all sorts of good things.

When is our marriage day?—Your loving and ecstatic son,

Treesure Eilaan,

It has been for me a Treasure Island verily.