April 27 Monday –  Helen Schuyler Allen wrote to Sam.

My dear Mr. Clemens, / I was afraid that possibly you had forgotten to write me, so decided I would write you first, and tell you how much I have missed you, I shall always remember the lovely times we had together and particularly our fine swim that last day you were in Bermuda.

When ever I use my camera I think of you, and how kind you were to help me get it. Please do write me soon. I remain you loving and devoted “Angel-fish” / Helen Schuyler Allen

P.S. Please give my love to Miss Lyon [MTAq 146].

Dorothy Quick wrote to Sam, including her story, “Martin Chown,” that Sam had asked for in his Apr. 24 letter.

Dear Mr Clemens

here is the story

What would have happened. The guests were gone and Martin Chown sat by the fire it was almost out. Martin Chown was an old man no not old but he was not young he was 65 years old he was alone and his thoughts were sad they went back to the last Christmas where he had sat in the death chamber of his wife and how she had when his train of thoughts were suddenly interrupted by a figure clothed in white You are happier as it is it said so is she.

You are the spirit  but I will show you what would have happened if she had lived Come Come

      “No No interrupted the man.”

      Martin Chown drew back.

      Where was he to be taken but the spirit drew him forward do not be afraid come again. Martin Chown followed it. It led him to a room he looked and recognized the courtroom he was on the witness stand so was his wife

      What does it mean he asked the spirit

      it means that your wife would have loved someone eles and gotten rid of you through the divorce court

      Will she suceed   he was about to ask when he looked up the spirit and the courtroom had vanished he was once more seated by the now dying fire there was no sign of the spirit

      Martin Chown slowly arose it is better as it is he said slowly   He had learned that it is best to be contented with what is ordained

 [—-]

      I have missed you very very much (also the cats but not so much) the play went on very well everyone said I did very well thank Miss very much for sending the bag    Mother would write but she is sick in bed with lots of love your loving / Dorothy

P.S. give lots of love to Miss Lyon [MTAq 146-7].

Isabel Lyon’s journal: A larynghaical cold, I’ve got. But I went with John Howells to look at gas fixtures at Caldwells’ wonderful place on 15th street where they have the most exquisite reproductions from all nations. These men (Mr. Von Lossburg among them) spend their lives searching museums and excavations and palaces for the most beautiful, perfect lamps and chandeliers and lanterns, and their place is comforting—more comforting than a museum [MTP: IVL TS 50].

V.F. Von Lossberg for Caldwell & Co., NYC wrote a list of fixtures “under consideration for your new residence” [MTP].

Clemens A.D. for this day is listed by MTP.