[SWANSTON COTTAGE, LOTHIANBURN, JULY 1876.]

HERE I am, here, and very well too. I am glad you liked 'Walking
Tours'; I like it, too; I think it's prose; and I own with
contrition that I have not always written prose. However, I am
'endeavouring after new obedience' (Scot. Shorter Catechism). You
don't say aught of 'Forest Notes,' which is kind. There is one, if
you will, that was too sweet to be wholesome.

I am at 'Charles d'Orleans.' About fifteen CORNHILL pages have
already coule'd from under my facile plume - no, I mean eleven,
fifteen of MS. - and we are not much more than half-way through,
'Charles' and I; but he's a pleasant companion. My health is very
well; I am in a fine exercisy state. Baynes is gone to London; if
you see him, inquire about my 'Burns.' They have sent me 5 pounds,
5s, for it, which has mollified me horrid. 5 pounds, 5s. is a good
deal to pay for a read of it in MS.; I can't complain. - Yours,

R. L. S.



Letter: TO MRS. SITWELL



[SWANSTON COTTAGE, LOTHIANBURN, JULY 1876.]