Mr. John Morley had asked for a notice by R. L. S. for the
Fortnightly Review, which he was then editing, of Lord Lytton's newly
published volume, _Fables in Song._
_Swanston, Lothianburn, Edinburgh [May 1874]._
All right. I'll see what I can do. Before I could answer I had to see
the book; and my good father, after trying at all our libraries, bought
it for me. I like the book; that is some of it and I'll try to lick up
four or five pages for the Fortnightly.
It is still as cold as cold, hereaway. And the Spring hammering away at
the New Year in despite. Poor Spring, scattering flowers with red hands
and preparing for Summer's triumphs all in a shudder herself. Health
still good, and the humour for work enduring.
Jenkin wrote to say he would second me in such a kind little notelet. I
shall go in for it (the Savile I mean) whether _Victor Hugo_ is accepted
or not, being now a man of means. Have I told you by the way that I have
now an income of L84, or as I prefer to put it for dignity's sake, two
thousand one hundred francs, a year.
In lively hope of better weather and your arrival hereafter.--I remain,
yours ever,