Chapter I: Preface: And Dedication

In so small a volume it would be somewhat hopeless to attempt an exhaustive notice of R. L. Stevenson, nor would it be desirable. The only possible full biography of him will be the _Life_ in preparation by his intimate friend Mr Sydney Colvin, and for it his friends and his public look eagerly. This little book is only a reminiscence and an appreciation by one who, in the old days between 1869 and 1880, knew him and his home circle well. My earlier and later knowledge has been derived from his mother and those other members of his mother's family with whom it was a pleasure to talk of him, and to exchange news of his sayings and doings.

In the actual writing of this volume, I have received most kind help for which I return grateful thanks to the givers. For the verification of dates and a few other particulars I am indebted to Mr Colvin's able article in the _Dictionary of National Biography_.

It is dedicated, in the first instance, to the memory of Mr and Mrs Thomas Stevenson and their son, and, in the second, to all the dearly prized friends of the Balfour connection who have either, like the household at 17 Heriot Row, passed into the 'Silent Land,' or who are still here to gladden life with their friendship.

MARGARET MOYES BLACK.
_August_ 1898.

CONTENTS

CHAPTER I Page HEREDITY AND ANTECEDENTS 9

CHAPTER II

CHILDHOOD 22

CHAPTER III

BOYHOOD AND COLLEGE DAYS 33

CHAPTER IV

AS I FIRST KNEW HIM 45

CHAPTER V

HIS HOME LIFE 57

CHAPTER VI

HIS CHOICE OF A LITERARY LIFE AND HIS EARLY BOOKS 70

CHAPTER VII

WANDERINGS IN SEARCH OF HEALTH 83

CHAPTER VIII

HIS MARRIAGE AND FRIENDSHIPS 92

CHAPTER IX

HIS ESSAYS AND VERSES 101

CHAPTER X

HIS STORIES 117

CHAPTER XI

HIS LIFE IN SAMOA 131

CHAPTER XII

HIS DEATH 141

CHAPTER XIII

HIS LIFE-WORK 150

ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON