to do as Dobell wished, and take an outing. I believe this is
wiser in all ways; but I own it is a disappointment. I am weary of
England; like Alan, 'I weary for the heather,' if not for the deer.
Lloyd has gone to Scilly with Katharine and C., where and with whom
he should have a good time. David seems really to be going to
succeed, which is a pleasant prospect on all sides. I am, I
believe, floated financially; a book that sells will be a pleasant
novelty. I enclose another review; mighty complimentary, and
calculated to sell the book too.

Coolin's tombstone has been got out, honest man! and it is to be
polished, for it has got scratched, and have a touch of gilding in
the letters, and be sunk in the front of the house. Worthy man,
he, too, will maybe weary for the heather, and the bents of
Gullane, where (as I dare say you remember) he gaed clean gyte, and
jumped on to his crown from a gig, in hot and hopeless chase of
many thousand rabbits. I can still hear the little cries of the
honest fellow as he disappeared; and my mother will correct me, but
I believe it was two days before he turned up again at North
Berwick: to judge by his belly, he had caught not one out of these
thousands, but he had had some exercise.

I keep well. - Ever your affectionate son,

R. L. S.



Letter: TO MRS. THOMAS STEVENSON