March 25 Monday – At 21 Fifth Ave, N.Y. Sam wrote to Miss Marjorie Bowen (pseud.)
Indeed I shall be more pleased than you can think, to have “The Master of Stair” dedicated to me. It is lovely of you to conceive of this fine compliment for me, & I highly value the impulse that moved you to it. You are a wonderful girl, & I hope there is a long life before you to keep on proving it in. / With the very best wishes …. [MTP]. Note: see Nov. 20, 1906.
Isabel Lyon’s journal: “Nearly all day in Katonah. Jean is improving and is full of plans for the future home in Redding” [MTP TS 40-41].
Lyon’s journal of Mar. 26 puts Clara Clemens’ return from her tour to late this evening [TS 44].
Julia Barnett Rice (Mrs. Isaac L. Rice) for the Society of Suppression of Unnecessary Noise wrote to Sam. “I enclose a few clippings about our Society which may interest you.” She solicited “a few words” from Clemens for their meeting [MTP]. Note: many clippings from Paris, London, and the US are in file.
Sam’s A.D. of Mar. 26 recalled a visit this day from William Dean Howells, and how they reflected on the passing of so many, including Thomas Bailey Aldrich:
“Of the gay company of us that used to foregather in Boston, thirty-five years ago and more, not one is left but himself and me; and of the New York contingent of that day we could call to mind no conspicuous member still in the flesh except Stedman” [MTHL 824].
March 25 ca. – Charles Dexter Allan wrote on The Grolier Club stationery, NYC, to advise Sam that a good friend of his, Seumas McManus (1868-1960), noted storyteller of Ireland, was in town [MTP]. Note: Lyon wrote on the letter: “Mr Clemens finds he is in town & would like to know him. (at top:) Invite him here to luncheon Monday or Tuesday.” McManus wrote on this day to Miss Lyon, advising he would give a reading on Apr 30 at the National Arts Club —would Sam honor him by attending?