February 26 Thursday – Sam saw Nat Goodwin, actor and vaudevillian, on the train going to Philadelphia. Goodwin told Sam he was “very anxious to play” the Sellers as Scientist [Feb. 27 to Howells].
In the evening Sam and Cable gave a reading to an audience of about 3,000 at the Academy of Music in Philadelphia, Penn. Clemens included: “A Dazzling Achievement,” “Tragic Tale of the Fishwife,” “Incorporated Company of Mean Men,” and “The Bluejay’s Mistake” [MTPO].

Fatout, citing Pond’s finance records says the $918 take reflected a crowd of one thousand [Circuit 218]. From Cable to his wife on Feb. 27:

It was the finest sight I have ever looked at from the platform. And I had great success. As to Mark his was not up to high water mark though — excuse me, the pun was accidental — he created much enthusiasm. I don’t see what is the matter with him except that he seems tired out. [Turner, MT & GWC 113].

Sam inscribed a copy of HF to Erroll and Gwendolyn Scoville-Drake: “To Gwennie and Erroll Scoville-Drake— / with the best wishes and kindest regards of the author. / New York, February 26, 1885” [MTP].

Western Union Telegraph Co. Feb. 28 bill shows a telegram sent to New York, recipient not specified (see entry for others) [MTP].