February 18 Saturday – At 21 Fifth Ave. in N.Y.C. Sam wrote to Muriel M. Pears.
It was delightful to have you here; even the idiot butler wasn’t able to spoil it. (Wait—this doesn’t mean that I am entirely placated yet, but only partly, only largely; I am not forgetting that you did not let me know at once when you arrived.) A week lost. I wouldn’t have served you like that.
If I could venture out I would bring you this book. And the MS (if you want it.) I would bring the MS. very privately, because it will not appear in print (North American Review) until March 1. It has a new interest for me now, because the general public—who do not know that magazine articles are always several weeks old before they appear in print—will think that certain passages in it were suggested by yesterday’s tragedy.
I was very glad to see the photographs, & I want to see them again. There is something I wish to add, but Bronchitis [Bambino Bronchitis Clemens, Cat in residence] is romping over me & my bed & has driven it out of my head. It will come again, no doubt, then I will keep hold of it.
With cordialest welcome & greetings [MTP]. Note: the MS referred to that ran in the Mar. issue of the N.A.R was “The Czar’s Soliloquy.” Muriel’s stayed one night at the Brevoort House. Sam may have handed her the book before she left or sent it, though if the latter it certainly would have gained a mention in his letter. Even if she had been given the book and she left on this day, it was usual for Clemens to write guests or hosts very soon after the visits.
Sam also inscribed a copy of JA: “To / Miss Muriel Pears / with the warm regards / & best wishes of / her friend / The Author. / 21 Fifth avenue, Feb. 18/05. / P.S. Welcome to America!” [MTP].
Isabel V. Lyon wrote for Sam to Annie Moffett Webster.
M . Clemens has been ill for a long time and though he is now much better he has not yet resumed letter writing and so wishes me to write for him and thank you for the brooch which came to-day and which he is very glad to have.
He wishes me to tell you that he is very greatly pleased with what Gov. Falk [sic Folk] said, and that he has greater admiration for him than for any other statesman of our time.
M . Clemens also wishes me to say that he is so glad that M . Sam Moffett is on the staff of Colliers; he thinks that M . Moffett has the choicest berth under a salary in the literary world in America.
M . Clemens has not been out of the house for many weeks, and stays quietly in his own room the greater part of the time. We have good news from Miss Clemens who is really improving, and Jean is well [MTP]. Note: Governor of Missouri Joseph Wingate Folk (“Holy Joe”) elected in 1904 as a reformer; (1869-1923).
February 18 ca. – On or just after this day at 21 Fifth Ave. in N.Y.C., Isabel V. Lyon replied for Sam to Hannibal Merchants Assoc.: “no objection to the honor but shall not be able to go there” [MTP]. Note: date changed from MTP’s Feb.15 ca. to allow time for mails.