[35] Of the Waterhead, Coniston. 27. _January 5th, 1880._ A Happy New Year to you. If I may judge or guess by the efforts made to draw me into the business, it is likely to be a busy one for you! Will you kindly now send me back my old book on Usury? I've got a letter (which for his lordship's sake had better never been written) from the Bishop of Manchester, and may want to quote a word or two of my back letter. I send the letter with my reply this month to the _Contemporary_. 28. _January 7th, 1880._ So many thanks for your kind little note and the book which I have received quite safely; and many more thanks for taking all the enemies' fire off me and leaving me quiet. I've been all this morning at work on finches and buntings; but I must give the Bishop a turn to-morrow. This weather takes my little wits out of me wofully; but I am always affectionately yours, J. R. 29. _May 10th, 1880._ MY DEAR MALLESON,--Yes, the omission of the 'Mr.' meant much change in all my feelings towards you and estimates of you--for which change, believe me, I am more glad and thankful than I can well tell you. Not but that of course I always felt your essential goodness and rightness of mind, but I did not at all understand the scope of them. And you will have the reward of the Visitation of the Sick, though every day I am more sure of the mistake made by good people universally--in trying to pull fallen people up--instead of keeping yet safe ones from tumbling after them, and always spending their pains on the worst instead of the best material. If they want to be able to save the lost like Christ, let them first be sure they can say with Him, "Of those Thou gavest Me I have lost none." Ever affectionately yours, J. RUSKIN. The 'Epilogue's' an awful bother to me in this May time! I have not done a word yet, but you shall have it before the week is out. 30. _April 17._ The letters seem all very nice--I shall have very little to say about them, except to explain what you observe and have been misunderstood.... Of course my notes shall be sent to you and added to when you see need. But I cannot do it quickly. 31. _April 14, 1880._