October 29 Thursday – In Redding, Conn. Sam added to his Oct. 24, 26, 27, 28 to Frances Nunnally.
Thursday 29th. The glass is in the arches now. There is steam heat. So the loggia makes a cosy winter-parlor, with plenty of chance for sunshine. Miss Lyon is going to put a couple of powerful reflector-lamps in there for night-service—then, seen from all the distances, the glare will make the place look like a light-house. At night, with a light in every window & viewed from that white church over on the Ridge, the house already looks like a factory that’s running over-time to fill rush- orders. Coude the painter lives over there, & he says it’s the dreadfulestobject under these skies on a gloomy night.
A new fact in natural history: some cats do like water. Ashcroft dipped Sinbad in the fountain, & he manifestly liked it. He made no objection, & presently came back for another dip—& got it, & looked pleased & grateful. /Lovingly … [MTP]. Note: he would finish this marathon letter on Oct. 31.
Sam also finished his Oct. 24 to Margaret Blackmer in Hamilton, Bermuda:
Four or 5 days later—Oct 29.
The glass windows are in the arches now, & the loggia makes a mostcosy & comfortable parlor. It was snug & pleasant in there this morning during a driving rain-storm, with the kittens romping around.
The kittens are fine—Ananda & Annanci. Do you remember Billiards? Billiards is the tame big brother. A remarkable cat, for he isn’t prejudiced against water. The other day Ashcroft dipped him in the fountain to see how he would like it. He didn’t object at all, & didn’t try to scramble out. When we went off walking down towards the spring-house he followed; & when we came back Ashcroft sat him in the fountain & took his hand away & Billiards sat there quite contented. I suppose such a cat as this is worth three or four thousand dollars.
The Mark Twain Library is getting along very nicely. I am required to give a reading or a talk for the benefit of its treasury during the month of November. You are invited. I invite you. You’ll be the only complimentary ticket. The performance will take place here in the house.
Miss Lyon & Lounsbury & the other officers will select a date presently.
Ashcroft & I had a delightful time at your school, & we wish to thank the Misses Tewksbury cordially through you.
I went down to Deal Beach the next day, & was there until Friday noon with Dorothy Harvey, M. A. Friday was her 14th birthday.
[Continued. Night.] Come back, dear, it is too lonesome here without you. To-day there is no company. At least none except between-trains company. Miss Newcomb has been with us a week, but she went away this morning. We are telephoning Miss Margery Clinton, & we hope she will join us Miss Lyon & Ashcroft on board the 3.32 train tomorrow & come up. You see how lonely you make it by going away from here, you little rascal. / Very lovingly … / [sketch of cat “Billiards” at bottom – see insert; MTP].
Brooks Riley wrote from Colerain Mass. to send thanks and a poem [MTP]. Note: “Ans. Nov 16 MLH”
William Robertson Coe wrote from NYC to Sam.
I have in mind your various references to the “open latch” [invites to visit]. / How would it suit you to provide luncheon for Mrs. Coe, Mr. Winslow, a friend of ours whom I believe you have met, and myself on Election Day? If it will be convenient to you we will motor up, so if you have anything to say about the roads write me by return mail [MTP].
Viola Rae Scott for New Thoughts, a monthly illustrated magazine in St. Petersburg, Russia, wrote to note that “the most popular books in Russia are the translations of your works,” and asking for a short article, but since there was no copyright there for foreign writers, it would have to be something simultaneously published elsewhere to avoid piracy [MTP]. Note: “Ans. Nov 13 MLH”
Women’s Education Assoc. sent a printed invitation to hear Alice Minnie Herts speak on the Educational Theatre, on Nov. 12 at 3:30 pm at Simmons College, Boston [MTP].