“Teddington.
“My Dear Mr Caine,—I thank you heartily for your kind letter, and look forward to the pleasure of reading your new work, which I have not seen as yet.
“From what Mr Gowing said, I feared that you were not at present in strong health, and I trust that you will not allow yourself to be worried by doubts about your work, or distressed by too zealous exertion. However untidy your garden may be—and it can scarcely be worse than mine—the Son of Hagar should be expelled for some hours daily from that quiet spot.”
Mr Blackmore then proceeds to give vent to the irritation which he felt towards humanity in general, and his publisher’s corrector of proofs in particular. This latter gentleman seems to have had his own ideas as to correct grammar and punctuation; these ideas, however, did not coincide with those of Mr Blackmore. He adds:—
“The main point is to take them easily; even as one does the supernatural wisdom of Reviewers.
“With the best wishes for your new story—may the Son be the child of promise!—I am, dear sir, very truly yours,
“R. D. Blackmore.”
“Hall Caine, Esq.”
The second letter was written concerning Caine’s Life of Coleridge—interesting for its reference to the first reviews of Lorna Doone.
“Teddington, May 7, 1887.