ell-mailed that even that experience would leave them
unaffected and unsoftened. The "hair and eyes of several complexions"
was a trait taken from myself; and I do not bind myself to the opinions
of Sir John. In this case, perhaps--but no, if the peculiarity is shared
by two such pleasant persons as you and I (as you and me--the
grammatical nut is hard), it must be a very good thing indeed, and Sir
John must be an ass.

The Book Reader notice was a strange jumble of fact and fancy. I wish
you could have seen my father's old assistant and present partner when
he heard my father described as an "inspector of lighthouses," for we
are all very proud of the family achievements, and the name of my house
here in Bournemouth is stolen from one of the sea-towers of the Hebrides
which are our pyramids and monuments. I was never at Cambridge, again;
but neglected a considerable succession of classes at Edinburgh. But to
correct that friendly blunderer were to write an autobiography.--And so
now, with many thanks, believe me yours sincerely,

ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON.

TO ALISON CUNNINGHAM

Accompanying a presentation copy of _Kidnapped_. Alison Cunningham's
maiden name had been Hastie.

[_Bournemouth, July 1886._]

MY DEAR CUMMY,--Herewith goes my new book, in which you will find some
places that you know: I hope you will like it: I do. The name of the
girl at Limekilns (as will appear if the sequel is ever written) was
Hastie, and I conceive she was an ancestor of yours: as David was no
doubt some kind of relative of mine.

I have no time for more, but send my love, and remembrances to your
brother.--Ever your affectionate

R. L. S.

TO R. A. M. STEVENSON

During these months, as already indicated, Stevenson was very much
taken up, in by-hours, with trying to learn something of the theory
and practice of music, and spent much of his time "pickling," as he
called it, in an elementary manner on the piano. He even tried his
hand in an experimental way at composition, and had sent one of his
attempts for criticism to his cousin, Mr. R. A. M. Stevenson, who was
better versed in the art.

_Skerryvore, Bournemouth, July 1886._

SIR,--Your foolish letter was unduly received. There may be hidden
fifths, and if there are, it shows how dam spontaneous the thing was. I
could tinker and tic-tac-toe on a piece of paper, but scorned the act
with a Threnody, which was p