to Thomas Stevenson

[Skerryvore, Bournemouth, March 1886.]

MY DEAR FATHER,—The David problem has to-day been decided.  I am to leave the door open for a sequel if the public take to it, and this will save me from butchering a lot of good material to no purpose.  Your letter from Carlisle was pretty like yourself, sir, as I was pleased to see; the hand of Jekyll, not the hand of Hyde.  I am for action quite unfit, and even a letter is beyond me; so pray take these scraps at a vast deal more than their intrinsic worth.  I am in great spirits about David, Colvin agreeing with Henley, Fanny, and myself in thinking it far the most human of my labours hitherto.  As to whether the long-eared British public may take to it, all think it more than doubtful; I wish they would, for I could do a second volume with ease and pleasure, and Colvin thinks it sin and folly to throw away David and Alan Breck upon so small a field as this one.—Ever your affectionate son,

R. L. S.