[_Chalet am Stein, Davos, April 9, 1882._]
MY DEAR MOTHER,--Herewith please find belated birthday present. Fanny
has another.
Cockshot = Jenkin. But
Jack = Bob. pray
Burly = Henley. regard
Athelred = Simpson. these
Opalstein = Symonds. as
Purcel = Gosse. secrets.
My dear mother, how can I keep up with your breathless changes?
Innerleithen, Cramond, Bridge of Allan, Dunblane, Selkirk. I lean to
Cramond, but I shall be pleased anywhere, any respite from Davos; never
mind, it has been a good, though a dear lesson. Now, with my improved
health, if I can pass the summer, I believe I shall be able no more to
exceed, no more to draw on you. It is time I sufficed for myself indeed.
And I believe I can.
I am still far from satisfied about Fanny; she is certainly better, but
it is by fits a good deal, and the symptoms continue, which should not
be. I had her persuaded to leave without me this very day (Saturday
8th), but the disclosure of my mismanagement broke up that plan; she
would not leave me lest I should mismanage more. I think this an unfair
revenge; but I have been so bothered that I cannot struggle. All Davos
has been drinking our wine. During the month of March, three litres a
day were drunk--O it is too sickening--and that is only a specimen. It
is enough to make any one a misanthrope, but the right thing is to hate
the donkey that was duped--which I devoutly do.
I have this winter finished _Treasure Island_, written the preface to
the _Studies_, a small book about the _Inland Voyage_ size, _The
Silverado Squatters_, and over and above that upwards of ninety (90)
Cornhill pages of magazine work. No man can say I have been idle.--Your
affectionate son,