Ship Ahoy, Cap'n Long-Legs!
Avast! Belay! Yo, ho, ho, and a bottle of rum. Guess what I'mreading? Our conversation these past two days has been nautical andpiratical. Isn't Treasure Island fun? Did you ever read it, or wasn'tit written when you were a boy? Stevenson only got thirty pounds forthe serial rights--I don't believe it pays to be a great author. MaybeI'll be a school-teacher.
Excuse me for filling my letters so full of Stevenson; my mind is verymuch engaged with him at present. He comprises Lock Willow's library.
I've been writing this letter for two weeks, and I think it's aboutlong enough. Never say, Daddy, that I don't give details. I wish youwere here, too; we'd all have such a jolly time together. I like mydifferent friends to know each other. I wanted to ask Mr. Pendleton ifhe knew you in New York--I should think he might; you must move inabout the same exalted social circles, and you are both interested inreforms and things--but I couldn't, for I don't know your real name.
It's the silliest thing I ever heard of, not to know your name. Mrs.Lippett warned me that you were eccentric. I should think so!
Affectionately, Judy
PS. On reading this over, I find that it isn't all Stevenson. Thereare one or two glancing references to Master Jervie.