Volume 1 - Electric Scotland

304 WILLIAM BLACKWOOD.
and I are alive, that I will confine myself henceforth solely
and exclusively to the occasional writing of articles, and leave
everything else entirely to yourself.
Neither am I going to argue on this subject, or to say that
you are wrong in assuming such a manner. But I merely say
that I will not endure any of it, even the very least ; and it is
to me most offensive.
"With respect to not sending as usual a copy of the Magazine
down to me, which, from your manner, seemed connected with
the same cause or some cause to me unknown, it is purely
laughable and absurd, and to me, of course, who have seen the
sheets till I may well be tired of them, a matter of utter in-
difference. "Why this occurred to you now and not before, I do
not know ; but the caution or reserve, or whatever else it may
be, is utterly ludicrous.
An answer, expressing surprise at so sudden an
onslaught on such visionary cause, seems to have
been sent, and this is the reply :
Perhaps it is unnecessary to say anything more on this sub-
ject, especially as of all men I most dislike and have the least
turn for letter-writing that can seem to be of a querulous
character ;
—
yet to prevent any present or future misconception
I shall say a few words.
I do not see why you should have been so utterly confounded
by my letter, for my displeasure — I will say anger — on
Friday was obvious enough, and, therefore, that I should afterwards
say so to you seems to be nothing unexpected or extra-
ordinary. I did not conceal my displeasure, which was reasonable
and just ; and I am sure you did not conceal yours, and
therefore my letter need not have at all surprised you, whether
you agreed or disagreed with its contents.
I say my anger was perfectly reasonable and just, for I could
not comprehend then, nor do I now, what you meant or wished
to be done in the matter of Philpotts. You offended me by
insisting on the word promise ; and when I denied all promise,
told me I must have forgotten : which was not the case,
memory having nothing to do with it. There neither has nor