to Charles Baxter

Saranac, 18th November 1887.

MY DEAR CHARLES,—No likely I’m going to waste a sheet of paper. . . .  I am offered £1600 ($8000) for the American serial rights on my next story!  As you say, times are changed since the Lothian Road.  Well, the Lothian Road was grand fun too; I could take an afternoon of it with great delight.  But I’m awfu’ grand noo, and long may it last!

Remember me to any of the faithful—if there are any left.  I wish I could have a crack with you.—Yours ever affectionately,

R. L. S.

I find I have forgotten more than I remembered of business. . . .  Please let us know (if you know) for how much Skerryvore is let; you will here detect the female mind; I let it for what I could get; nor shall the possession of this knowledge (which I am happy to have forgot) increase the amount by so much as the shadow of a sixpenny piece; but my females are agog.—Yours ever,

R. L. S.