December 14 Sunday – Sam gave his “Roughing It on the Silver Frontier” lecture at the Queen’s Concert Rooms, London [MTPO]. Sam wrote to Livy, his letter sounding a lot like those from his courting days… “an ocean is between us, now, & I have to gush.” Sam looked forward to having Frank Finlay  as a guest for the week [MTL 5: 518].

Mr. Shirley Brooks replied to the Dec. 12 from Clemens.

My dear Sir, / I feel desirous to do something more helpful to your lecture than perhaps the article would be, and I have therefore written, and inserted in the new number of Punch a strong incitation to the public to make haste & go and see you, & I have put in quotations to attract the eye of the B. P. [British Public] I will send you an early copy tomorrow—it will appear on Wednesday & may do good for the brief time you mention it as your intention to remain. I will also send you my Almanac—Tenniel has done something which I am certain you will admire. / Believe me / very sincerely yours / Shirley Brooks / [MTPO].