to R. A. M. Stevenson

Skerryvore [Bournemouth, July 1886].

DEAR BOB,—Herewith another shy; more melancholy than before, but I think not so abjectly idiotic.  The musical terms seem to be as good as in Beethoven, and that, after all, is the great affair.  Bar the dam bareness of the base, it looks like a piece of real music from a distance.  I am proud to say it was not made one hand at a time; the base was of synchronous birth with the treble; they are of the same age, sir, and may God have mercy on their souls!—Yours,

The Maestro.