I am reading a lot of French histories just now, and the spelling keeps one in a good humour all day long--I mean the spelling of English names.--Your affectionate son, ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON. TO MRS. THOMAS STEVENSON _[Menton, January 29, 1874], Thursday._ _Marot_ vol. 1 arrived. The post has been at its old games. A letter of the 31st and one of the 2nd arrive at the same moment. I have had a great pleasure. Mrs. Andrews had a book of Scotch airs, which I brought over here, and set Madame Z. to work upon. They are so like Russian airs that they cannot contain their astonishment. I was quite out of my mind with delight. "The Flowers of the Forest"--"Auld Lang Syne"--"Scots wha hae"--"Wandering Willie"--"Jock o' Hazeldean"--"My Boy Tammie," which my father whistles so often--I had no conception how much I loved them. The air which pleased Madame Zassetsky the most was "Hey, Johnnie Cope, are ye waukin yet?" It is certainly no end. And I was so proud that they were appreciated. No triumph of my own, I am sure, could ever give me such vain-glorious satisfaction. You remember, perhaps, how conceited I was to find "Auld Lang Syne" popular in its German dress; but even that was nothing to the pleasure I had yesterday at the success of our dear airs. The edition is called _The Songs of Scotland without Words for the Pianoforte_, edited by J. T. Surenne, published by Wood in George Street. As these people have been so kind to me, I wish you would get a copy of this and send it out. If that should be too dear, or anything, Mr. Mowbray would be able to tell you what is the best substitute, would he not? _This_ I really would like you to do, as Madame proposes to hire a copyist to copy those she likes, and so it is evident she wants them.--Ever your affectionate son, ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON. TO THOMAS STEVENSON With reference to the political allusions in the following it will be remembered that this was the date of Mr. Gladstone's dissolution, followed by his defeat at the polls notwithstanding his declared intention of abolishing the income-tax. _[Menton], February 1st, 1874._ I am so sorry to hear of poor Mr. M.'s death. He was really so amiable and kind that no one could help liking him, and carrying away a pleasant recollection of his simple, happy ways. I hope you will communicate to all the family how much I feel with them. Madame Zassetsky is Nelitchka's mamma. They have both husbands, and they are in Russia, and the ladies are both here for their health. They make it very pleasant for me here. To-day we all went a drive to the Cap Martin, and the Cap was adorable in the splendid sunshine.