[_Skerryvore_, _Bournemouth_, _March_ 1886.]
MY DEAR FATHER,—The David problem has to-day been decided. I am to leave
the door open for a sequel if the public take to it, and this will save
me from butchering a lot of good material to no purpose. Your letter
from Carlisle was pretty like yourself, sir, as I was pleased to see; the
hand of Jekyll, not the hand of Hyde. I am for action quite unfit, and
even a letter is beyond me; so pray take these scraps at a vast deal more
than their intrinsic worth. I am in great spirits about David, Colvin
agreeing with Henley, Fanny, and myself in thinking it far the most human
of my labours hitherto. As to whether the long-eared British public may
take to it, all think it more than doubtful; I wish they would, for I
could do a second volume with ease and pleasure, and Colvin thinks it sin
and folly to throw away David and Alan Breck upon so small a field as
this one.—Ever your affectionate son,