The _Inland Voyage_, it must be remembered, at this time just put
into the publisher's hands, was the author's first book. The "Crane
sketch" mentioned in the second of the following notes to me was the
well-known frontispiece to that book on which Mr. Walter Crane was
then at work. The essay _Pan's Pipes_, reprinted in _Virginibus
Puerisque_, was written about this time.
_Hotel des Etrangers, Dieppe, January 1, 1878._
MY DEAR COLVIN,--I am at the _Inland Voyage_ again: have finished
another section, and have only two more to execute. But one at least of
these will be very long--the longest in the book--being a great
digression on French artistic tramps. I only hope Paul may take the
thing; I want coin so badly, and besides it would be something
done--something put outside of me and off my conscience; and I should
not feel such a muff as I do, if once I saw the thing in boards with a
ticket on its back. I think I shall frequent circulating libraries a
good deal. The Preface shall stand over, as you suggest, until the last,
and then, sir, we shall see. This to be read with a big voice.
This is New Year's Day: let me, my dear Colvin, wish you a very good
year, free of all misunderstanding and bereavement, and full of good
weather and good work. You know best what you have done for me, and so
you will know best how heartily I mean this.--Ever yours,