1887-01-03 to Henry Julian Moore

Autograph letter signed, National Library of Ireland, 404 words

[Edited for paragraph breaks, capitalization, spelling and punctuation.]

Danes Inn, Strand

[Monday] Jan 3 1887

My dear Julian

I received this evening your card. It amused me.

Perhaps you would like to hear something about the rabbits. Well, a friend of mine is going in for rabbit farming on the top of the South Downs; the houses are being built, the land prepared. It is a very lonely place and it would be difficult to live there alone, so he asked me to live with him; and he is to give me a small share in the business in return for my collaboration. I do not know if I shall remain in the business but I am going to give it "a try.” I do not think it will interfere with my literary pursuits.

And perhaps concerning them you would like to hear something too. Well, my book on Ireland will be published in France early in February; I fancy that it will create a sensation. If it does I shall be able to dispose of the English rights on very favourable terms.

I have finished a short book entitled A Mere Accident which I shall send to the printers very soon, immediately I am convinced that there is no hope of selling the serial rights.

And now about yourself. I am glad you are with mother at Moore Hall. You could not be in a more suitable place, for there you will have leisure to think, observe and read. I wish you would write and tell me what you are doing.

I was very sorry about the consulship but I knew from the first that it was all moonshine. Lady Ardilaun by the way wrote me a long letter the other day, the kindest letter possible to imagine.

From Maurice I have not heard for a long time; I wish he would write. Now and again I hear rumours of flirtations but that is all. Nina I hope has not brought any more children into this miserable world, for what she will do with them later on I cannot think: Home Rule is of course certain.

Write me a long letter and tell me about yourself.

Yours as ever

George Moore

I wrote to mother some few days ago — I hope she got my letter. Give her my love.