May 9.
You are really very good about this, and shall have the notes (D.V.) within a fortnight. The Scott could not be put off, being promised for June 19, Nineteenth Century, and I could not do novels and sermons together. I don't think the notes will be long. The letters seem to be mostly compliments or small objections not worth noticing.
33.
May 14th, 1880.
I've just done—yesterday with Scott, and took up the letters for the first time this morning seriously.
I had never seen yours at all when I wrote last. I fell first on Mr. ——, whom I read with some attention, and commented on with little favour; went on to the next, and remained content with that taste till I had done my Scott.
I have this morning been reading your own, on which I very earnestly congratulate you. God knows it isn't because they are friendly or complimentary, but because you do see what I mean, and people hardly ever do—and I think it needs very considerable power and feeling to forgive and understand as you do. You have said everything I want to say, and much more—except on the one point of excommunication, which will be the chief, almost the only subject of my final note.
I write in haste to excuse myself for my former note.
Ever affectionately
and gratefully yours,
J. Ruskin.