Stephen and I sat on a couple of chairs, and the poor fellow sat up
in his bed with his hair and beard all tangled, and talked as
cheerfully as if he had been in a King's palace, or the great
King's palace of the blue air. He has taught himself two languages
since he has been lying there. I shall try to be of use to him.

We have had two beautiful spring days, mild as milk, windy withal,
and the sun hot. I dreamed last night I was walking by moonlight
round the place where the scene of my story is laid; it was all so
quiet and sweet, and the blackbirds were singing as if it was day;
it made my heart very cool and happy. - Ever yours,

ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON.



Letter: TO SIDNEY COLVIN



FEBRUARY 8, 1875.

MY DEAR COLVIN, - Forgive my bothering you. Here is the proof of
my second KNOX. Glance it over, like a good fellow, and if there's
anything very flagrant send it to me marked. I have no confidence
in myself; I feel such an ass. What have I been doing? As near as
I can calculate, nothing. And yet I have worked all this month
from three to five hours a day, that is to say, from one to three
hours more than my doctor allows me; positively no result.