[1] From 1876 to 1879--see p. 185.
[2] The point was one on which Stevenson himself felt strongly. In a
letter of instructions to his wife found among his posthumous papers
he writes: "It is never worth while to inflict pain upon a snail for
any literary purpose; and where events may appear to be favourable
to me and contrary to others, I would rather be misunderstood than
cause a pang to any one whom I have known, far less whom I have
loved." Whether an editor or biographer would be justified in
carrying out this principle to the full may perhaps be doubted.
THE LETTERS
OF ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON
1868-1882
THE LETTERS
OF ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON
I