SARANAC, February, 1888.
DEAR MR. BURLINGAME,—1. Of course then don't use it. Dear Man,
I write these to please you, not myself, and you know a main
sight better than I do what is good. In that case, however,
I enclose another paper, and return the corrected proof of
_Pulvis et Umbra_, so that we may be afloat.
2. I want to say a word as to the _Master_. (The _Master of
Ballantrae_ shall be the name by all means.) If you like and
want it, I leave it to you to make an offer. You may remember
I thought the offer you made when I was still in England too
small; by which I did not at all mean, I thought it less
than it was worth, but too little to tempt me to undergo
the disagreeables of serial publication. This tale (if you
want it) you are to have; for it is the least I can do for
you; and you are to observe that the sum you pay me for my
articles going far to meet my wants, I am quite open to be
satisfied with less than formerly. I tell you I do dislike
this battle of the dollars. I feel sure you all pay too much
here in America; and I beg you not to spoil me any more. For
I am getting spoiled; I do not want wealth, and I feel these
big sums demoralize me.
My wife came here pretty ill, she had a dreadful bad night;
to-day she is better. But now Valentine is ill; and Lloyd
and I have got breakfast, and my hand somewhat shakes after
washing-dishes.—Yours very sincerely,