are
degrees of liking, and I will tell you frankly which degree
I register.

Now you will bear that visit in mind and write to me when
you are ready and your work done.--With all kind regards,
yours very truly,

(Sgd.) A. Conan Doyle.

_Copy of Letter to David Christie Murray (undated)_.

Undershaw, Hindhead, Haslemere.

My Dear Murray,--I have just finished your critical book and
think it most excellent and useful. I couldn't help writing
to you to say so. It is really fine--so well-balanced and
clear-sighted and judicial. For kind words about myself many
thanks. I don't think we are suffering from critical
kindness so much as _indiscriminate_ critical kindness. No
one has said enough, as it seems to me, about Barrie or
Kipling. I think they are fit--young as they are--to rank
with the highest, and that some of Barrie's work, _Margaret
Ogilvy_ and _A Window in Thrums_, will endear him as Robert
Burns is endeared to the hearts of the future Scottish race.

I have just settled down here and we are getting the
furniture in and all in order. In a week or so it will be
quite right. If ever you should be at a loose end at a week-
end, or any other time, I wish you would run down. I believe
we could make you happy for a few days. Name your date and
the room will be ready. Only from the 16th to the 26th it is
pre-empted.--With all kind remembrances, yours very truly,

(Sgd.) A. Conan Doyle

_Copy of Letter to David Christie Murray. 9th Sept. 1897_.

148 Todmorden Road, Burnley, Lanes.

My Dear Sir,--Will you kindly excuse the liberty I take in
writing? I have just bought and read your new book _My
Contemporaries in Fiction_. and feel that I must thank you.
The task you assumed was, I think, necessary, and your
estimate of the various writers just, and on the whole
generous. I know my opinion is of little value, but I have
long felt that several of our modern novelists were
appraised miles beyond their merits, and I have often wished
that some man of position, one who could speak candidly
without fear of being accused of being envious, would give
to the world a fair and fearless criticism of the works of
novelists about whom some so-called critics rave. Thousands
will be glad that you have