I suppose you heard of our ghost stories. They are somewhat delayed by my cold and a bad attack of laziness, embroidery, etc., under which Fanny had been some time prostrate. It is horrid that we can get no better weather. I did not get such good accounts of you as might have been. You must imitate me. I am now one of the most conscientious people at trying to get better you ever saw. I have a white hat, it is much admired; also a plaid, and a heavy stoop; so I take my walks abroad, witching the world.
Last night I was beaten at chess, and am still grinding under the blow.—Ever your faithful friend,
R. L. S.
to Edmund Gosse
The Cottage (late the late Miss M’Gregor’s),
Castleton of Braemar, August 10, 1881.
MY DEAR GOSSE,—Come on the 24th, there is a dear fellow. Everybody else wants to come later, and it will be a godsend for, sir—Yours sincerely.
You can stay as long as you behave decently, and are not sick of, sir—Your obedient, humble servant.
We have family worship in the home of, sir—Yours respectfully.
Braemar is a fine country, but nothing to (what you will also see) the maps of, sir—Yours in the Lord.
A carriage and two spanking hacks draw up daily at the hour of two before the house of, sir—Yours truly.