X。
　　IgobacktothathouseinHartford，whereIwassooftenahappyguest，withtendernessforeachofitsendearingaspects。Overthechimneyinthelibrarywhichhadbeencuredofsmokingbysomuchartandscience，ClemenshadwritteninperennialbrassthewordsofEmerson，"Theornamentofahouseisthefriendswhofrequentit，"andhegavehisguestsawelcomeofthesimplestandsweetestcordiality：butImustnotgoasidetothemfrommyrecollectionsofhim，whichwillbeofsufficientgarrulity，ifIgivethemasfullyasIwish。Thewindowsofthelibrarylookednorthwardfromthehillsideabovewhichthehousestood，andoverthelittlevalleywiththestreaminit，andtheyshowedtheleavesofthetreesthatalmostbrushedthemasinaClaudeLorraineglass。Totheeastwardthedining—roomopenedamply，andtothesouththerewasawidehall，wherethevoicesoffriendsmadethemselvesheardastheyenteredwithoutceremonyandansweredhisjoyoushail。AtthewestwasalittlesemicircularconservatoryofapatterninventedbyMrs。
　　HarrietBeecherStowe，andadoptedinmostofthehousesofherkindlyneighborhood。Theplantsweresetintheground，andthefloweringvinesclimbedupthesidesandoverhungtheroofabovethesilentsprayofafountaincompaniedbycallasandotherwater—lovinglilies。There，whilewebreakfasted，Patrickcameinfromthebarnandsprinkledtheprettybower，whichpouredoutitsresponsiveperfumeinthedelicateaccentsofitsvariedblossoms。BreakfastwasClemens’sbestmeal，andhesatlongerathissteakandcoffeethanatthecoursesofhisdinner；
　　luncheonwasnothingtohim，unless，asmighthappen，hemadeithisdinner，andreservedthelaterrepastastheoccasionofwalkingupanddowntheroom，anddiscoursingatlargeonanythingthatcameintohishead。Likemostgoodtalkers，helikedotherpeopletohavetheirsay；
　　hedidnottalkthemdown；hestoppedinstantlyatanother’sremarkandgladlyorpolitelyheardhimthrough；heevenmadebelievetofindsuggestionorinspirationinwhatwassaid。Hischildrencametothetable，asIhavetold，andafterdinnerhewasapttojoinhisfinetenortotheirtreblesinsinging。
　　FullyhalfourmeetingswereatmyhouseinCambridge，wherehemadehimselfasmuchathomeasinHartford。HewouldcomeostensiblytostayattheParkerHouse，inBoston，andtakearoom，wherehewouldlightthegasandleaveitburning，afterdressing，whilehedroveouttoCambridgeandstayedtwoorthreedayswithus。Once，Isupposeitwasafteralecture，hecameineveningdressandpassedtwenty—fourhourswithusinthatguise，wearinganovercoattohideitwhenwewentforawalk。
　　Sometimesheworetheslipperswhichhepreferredtoshoesathome，andifitwasmuddy，asitwaswonttobeinCambridge，hewouldputapairofrubbersoverthemforourrambles。Helikedthelawlessnessandourdelightinallowingit，andherejoicedintheconfessionofhishostess，afterwehadoncealmostwornourselvesoutinourpleasurewiththeintensetalk，withthestoriesandthelaughing，thathiscomingalmostkilledher，butitwasworthit。
　　Inthosedayshewastroubledwithsleeplessness，or，rather，withreluctantsleepiness，andhehadvariousspecificsforpromotingit。
　　Atfirstithadbeenchampagnejustbeforegoingtobed，andweprovidedthat，butlaterheappearedfromBostonwithfourbottlesoflager—beerunderhisarms；lager—beer，hesaidnow，wastheonlythingtomakeyougotosleep，andweprovidedthat。Stilllater，onavisitIpaidhimatHartford，IlearnedthathotScotchwastheonlysoporificworthconsidering，andScotch—whiskeydulyfounditsplaceonoursideboard。
　　Oneday，verylongafterward，IaskedhimifhewerestilltakinghotScotchtomakehimsleep。Hesaidhewasnottakinganything。Forawhilehehadfoundgoingtobedonthebath—roomfloorasoporific；thenonenighthewenttorestinhisownbedatteno’clock，andhadgonepromptlytosleepwithoutanything。Hehaddonethelikewiththelikeeffecteversince。Ofcourse，itamusedhim；therewerefewexperiencesoflife，graveorgay，whichdidnotamusehim，evenwhentheywrongedhim。
　　HecameontoCambridgeinApril，1875，togowithmetothecentennialceremoniesatConcordincelebrationofthebattleoftheMinuteMenwiththeBritishtroopsahundredyearsbefore。Webothhadspecialinvitations，includingpassagefromBoston；butIsaid，WhybothertogointoBostonwhenwecouldjustaswelltakethetrainforConcordattheCambridgestation？Heequallydecidedthatitwouldbeabsurd；sowebreakfasteddeliberately，andthenwalkedtothestation，reasoningofmanythingsasusual。Whenthetrainstopped，wefounditpackedinsideandout。Peoplestooddenseontheplatformsofthecars；toourstartledeyestheyseemedtoprojectfromthewindows，andunlessmemorybetraysmetheylaystrewnupontheroofslikebrakemenslainatthepostofduty。
　　Whetherthiswasreallysoornot，itiscertainthatthetrainpresentedanimpenetrablefronteventoourimagination，andweleftittogoitswaywithouttheslightestefforttoboard。Weremountedthefame—wornstepsofPorter’sStation，andbeganexploringNorthCambridgeforsomemeansoftransportationoverlandtoConcord，forwewerethatfarontheroadbywhichtheBritishwentandcameonthedayofthebattle。Theliverymenwhomweappealedtoreceivedus，somewithcompassion，somewithderision，butineithermoodconvincedusthatwecouldnothavehiredacattoattemptourconveyance，muchlessahorse，orvehicleofanydescription。Itwasaraw，windyday，veryunliketheexceptionallyhotAprildaywhentheroutedredcoats，pursuedbytheColonials，fledpantingbacktoBoston，with"theirtongueshangingoutlikedogs，"
　　butwecouldnottakeduecomfortinthevisionoftheirdiscomfiture；
　　wecouldalmostenvythem，fortheyhadatleastgottoConcord。Aswiftprocessionofcoaches，carriages，andbuggies，allgoingtoConcord，passedus，inertandhelpless，onthesidewalkinthepeculiarlycoldmudofNorthCambridge。Webegantowonderifwemightnotstoponeofthemandbribeittotakeus，butwehadnotthecouragetotry，andClemensseizedtheopportunitytobeginsufferingwithanacuteindigestion，whichgavehishumoraverydismalcast。Ifeltkeenlytheshameofdefeat，andtheguiltofresponsibilityforourfailure，andwhenagaypartyofstudentscametowardusonthetopofatallyho，luxuriouslyemptyinside，wefeltthatourchancehadcome，andourlastchance。
　　HesaidthatifIwouldstopthemandtellthemwhoIwastheywouldgladly，perhapsproudly，giveuspassage；Icontendedthatifwithhisfarvasterrenownhewouldapproachthem，oursuccesswouldbeassured。
　　Whilewestood，lostinthis"contestofcivilities，"thecoachpassedus，withgaynotesblownfromthehornsofthestudents，andthenClemensstartedinpursuit，encouragedwithshoutsfromthemerrypartywhocouldnotimaginewhowastryingtorunthemdown，toarivalryinspeed。Theunequalmatchcouldendonlyinoneway，andIamgladIcannotrecallwhathesaidwhenhecamebacktome。SincethenIhaveoftenwonderedatthegriefwhichwouldhavewrungthoseblitheyoungheartsiftheycouldhaveknownthattheymighthavehadthecompanyofMarkTwaintoConcordthatdayanddidnot。
　　Wehungabout，unavailingly，inthebitterwindawhilelonger，andthenslowly，veryslowly，madeourwayhome。Wewishedtopassasmuchtimeaspossible，inordertogiveprobabilitytothedeceitweintendedtopractise，forwecouldnotbeartoownourselvesbaffledinourboastedwisdomoftakingthetrainatPorter’sStation，andhadagreedtosaythatwehadbeentoConcordandgotback。Evenaftercominghometomyhouse，wefeltthatourstatementwouldbewantinginverisimilitudewithoutfurtherdelay，andwecreptquietlyintomylibrary，andmadeuparoaringfireonthehearth，andthawedourselvesoutintheheatofitbeforeweregainedourcouragefortheundertaking。Withalltheseprecautionswefailed，forwhenourstatementwasimpartedtotheproposedvictimsheinstantlypronounceditunreliable，andwewereleftwithitonourhandsintact。IthinkthehumorofthissituationwasfinallyagreaterpleasuretoClemensthananactualvisittoConcordwouldhavebeen；onlyafewweeksbeforehisdeathhelaughedourdefeatoverwithoneofmyfamilyinBermuda，andexultedinourpromptdetection。
　　XI。
　　FromourjointexperienceinfailingIarguethatClemens’saffectionformemusthavebeengreattoenablehimtocondoneinmethefinaldefectionwhichwasapttobetheendofourenterprises。IhavefanciedthatIpresentedtohimasurfaceofsuchentiretrustworthinessthathecouldnotimaginethedepthsofunreliabilitybeneathit；andthatneverrealizingit，healwaysbrokethroughwithfreshsurprisebutunimpairedfaith。Heliked，beyondallthings，topushanaffairtothebitterend，andtheendwasnevertoobitterunlessitbroughtgrieforharmtoanother。Onceinatelegraphofficeatarailwaystationhewastreatedwithsuchinsolentneglectbytheyoungladyincharge，whowaspreoccupiedinaflirtationwitha"gentlemanfriend，"thatemulousofthepublicspiritwhichheadmiredintheEnglish，hetoldherheshouldreporthertohersuperiors，and（probablytoherastonishment）hedidso。HewentbacktoHartford，andinduetimethepoorgirlcametomein，terrorandintears；forIhadabettedClemensinhisaction，andhadjoinedmynametohisinhisappealtotheauthorities。Shewasthreatenedwithdismissalunlessshemadefullapologytohimandbroughtbackassuranceofitsacceptance。Ifeltabletogivethis，and，ofcourse，heeagerlyapproved；Ithinkhetelegraphedhisapproval。
　　Anothertime，someyearsafterward，wesatdowntogetherinplacesneartheendofacar，andabrakemancameinlookingforhisofficialnote—
　　book。Clemensfoundthathehadsatdownuponit，andhandedittohim；
　　themanscoldedhimveryabusively，andcamebackagainandagain，stillscoldinghimforhavingnomoresensethantositdownonanote—book。
　　ThepatienceofClemensinbearingitwassoangelicthatIsawfittocomment，"Isupposeyouwillreportthisfellow。""Yes，"heanswered，slowlyandsadly。"That’swhatIshouldhavedoneonce。ButnowI
　　rememberthathegetstwentydollarsamonth。"
　　Nothingcouldhavebeenwiser，nothingtenderer，andhishumanitywasnotforhumanityalone。Heabhorredthedullandsavagejoyofthesportsmaninaluckyshot，anunerringaim，andoncewhenImethiminthecountryhehadjustbeensickenedbythesuccessofagunnerinbringingdownablackbird，andhedescribedthepoor，stricken，glossything，howitlaythrobbingitslifeoutonthegrass，withsuchpityashemighthavegivenawoundedchild。Ifindthisafitplacetosaythathismindandsoulwerewiththosewhodothehardworkoftheworld，infearofthosewhogivethemachancefortheirlivelihoodsandunderpaythemalltheycan。HeneverwentsofarinsocialismasIhavegone，ifhewentthatwayatall，buthewasfascinatedwithLookingBackwardandhadBellamytovisithim；andfromthefirsthehadaluminousvisionoforganizedlaborastheonlypresenthelpforworking—men。Hewouldshowthatsidewithsuchclearnessandsuchforcethatyoucouldnotsayanythinginhopefulcontradiction；hesawwiththatrelentlessinsightofhisthatwithUnionswastheworking—man’sonlypresenthopeofstandinguplikeamanagainstmoneyandthepowerofit。TherewasatimewhenI
　　wasafraidthathiseveswerealittleholdenfromthetruth；butintheverylasttalkIheardfromhimIfoundthatIwaswrong，andthatthisgreathumoristwasasgreatahumanistasever。Iwishthatallthework—folkcouldknowthis，andcouldknowhimtheirfriendinlifeashewasinliterature；ashewasinsuchagloriousgospelofequalityasthe’ConnecticutYankeeinKingArthur’sCourt。’
　　XII。
　　WhetherIwillornoImustletthingscomeintomystorythoughtwise，ashewouldhaveletthem，forIcannotrememberthemintheirorder。Onenight，whileweweregivingaparty，hesuddenlystormedinwithafriendofhisandmine，Mr。Twichell，andimmediatelybegantoeatanddrinkofoursupper，fortheyhadcomestraighttoourhousefromwalkingtoBoston，orsogreatapartofthewayastobea—hungeredanda—thirst。
　　Icanseehimnowashestoodupinthemidstofourfriends，withhisheadthrownback，andinhishandadishofthoseescallopedoysterswithoutwhichnopartyinCambridgewasreallyaparty，exultinginthetaleofhisadventure，whichhadaboundedinthemostoriginalcharactersandamusingincidentsateverymileoftheirprogress。Theyhadbrokentheirjourneywithanight’srest，andtheyhadhelpedthemselveslavishlyoutbyrailinthelasthalf；butstillithadbeenamightywalktodointwodays。Clemenswasagreatwalker，inthoseyears，andwasalwaystellingofhistrampswithMr。TwichelltoTalcott’sTower，tenmilesoutofHartford。Ashewalkedofcoursehetalked，andofcoursehesmoked。Wheneverhehadbeenafewdayswithus，thewholehousehadtobeaired，forhesmokedalloveritfrombreakfasttobedtime。Healwayswenttobedwithacigarinhismouth，andsometimes，mindfulofmyfireinsurance，Iwentupandtookitaway，stillburning，afterhehadfallenasleep。Idonotknowhowmuchamanmaysmokeandlive，butapparentlyhesmokedasmuchasamancould，forhesmokedincessantly。
　　Hedidnotcaremuchtomeetpeople，asIfancied，andweweregreedyofhimforourselves；hewasprecioustous；andIwouldnothaveexposedhimtothecriticaledgeofthatCambridgeacquaintancewhichmightnothaveappreciatedhimat，say，histransatlanticvalue。InAmericahispopularitywasasinstantasitwasvast。ButitmustbeacknowledgedthatforamuchlongertimeherethaninEnglandpolitelearninghesitatedhispraise。InEnglandrank，fashion，andculturerejoicedinhim。Lordmayors，lordchiefjustices，andmagnatesofmanykindswerehishosts；hewasdesiredincountryhouses，andhisboldgeniuscaptivatedthefavorofperiodicalswhichspurnedtherestofournation。
　　Butinhisowncountryitwasdifferent。Inproportionaspeoplethoughtthemselvesrefinedtheyquestionedthatqualitywhichallrecognizeinhimnow，butwhichwasthentheinspiredknowledgeofthesimple—heartedmultitude。IwentwithhimtoseeLongfellow，butIdonotthinkLongfellowmademuchofhim，andLowellmadeless。HestoppedasifwiththelongSemiticcurveofClemens’snose，whichintheindulgenceofhispassionforfindingeveryonemoreorlessaJewhepronouncedunmistakablyracial。ItwastwoofmymostfastidiousCambridgefriendswhoacceptedhimwiththeEnglish，theEuropeanentirety——namely，CharlesEliotNortonandProfessorFrancisJ。Child。Nortonwasthennewlybackfromalongsojournabroad，andhisjudgmentsweredelocalized。HemetClemensasiftheyhadbothbeeninEngland，andrejoicedinhisboldfreedomfromenvironment，andintherichvarietyandboundlessreachofhistalk。ChildwasofapersonallibertyasgreatinitsfastidiouswayasthatofClemenshimself，andthoughheknewhimonlyatsecondhand，heexultedinthemostaudaciousinstanceofhisgrotesquery，asIshallhavetotellby—and—by，almostsolely。IcannotsayjustwhyClemensseemednottohitthefavorofourcommunityofscribesandscholars，asBretHartehaddone，whenhecameonfromCalifornia，andsweptthembeforehim，disruptingtheirdinnersanddelayingtheirluncheswithimpunity；butitiscertainhedidnot，andIhadbettersayso。
　　Iamsurprisedtofindfromthebibliographicalauthoritiesthatitwassolateas1875whenhecamewiththemanuscriptofTomSawyer，andaskedmetoreadit，asafriendandcritic，andnotasaneditor。IhaveanimpressionthatthiswasatMrs。Clemens’sinstanceinhisownuncertaintyaboutprintingit。Shetrustedme，Icansaywithasatisfactionfewthingsnowgiveme，tobeherhusband’strueandcordialadviser，andIwasso。IbelieveIneverfailedhiminthispart，thoughinsomanyofourenterprisesandprojectsIwasfalseaswaterthroughmytemperamentalloveofbackingoutofanyundertaking。Ibelievethisneverceasedtoastonishhim，andithasalwaysastonishedme；itappearstomequiteoutofcharacter；thoughitiscertainthatanundertaking，whenIhaveentereduponit，holdsmeratherthanIit。Buthoweverthisimmaterialmattermaybe，IamgladtorememberthatIthoroughlylikedTomSawyer，andsaidsowitheverypossibleamplification。Verylikely，Ialsomademysuggestionsforitsimprovement；Icouldnothavebeenarealcriticwithoutthat；andIhavenodoubttheyweregratefullyacceptedand，Ihope，neveractedupon。Iwentwithhimtothehorse—carstationinHarvardSquare，asmyfrequentwontwas，andputhimaboardacarwithhisMS。inhishand，stayedandreassured，sofarasIcounted，concerningit。Idonotknowwhathismisgivingswere；perhapstheywerehiswife’smisgivings，forshewishedhimtobeknownnotonlyforthewildandboundlesshumorthatwasinhim，butforthebeautyandtendernessand"naturalpiety"；andshewouldnothavehadhimjudgedbyatooclosefidelitytotherudeconditionsofTomSawyer’slife。ThisisthemeaningthatIreadintothefactofhiscomingtomewiththosedoubts。
　　XIII。
　　Clemenshadthenandformanyyearsthehabitofwritingtomeaboutwhathewasdoing，andstillmoreofwhathewasexperiencing。Nothingstruckhisimagination，inoroutofthedailyroutine，buthewishedtowritemeofit，andhewrotewiththegreatestfulnessandalavishdramatization，sometimestothelengthoftwentyorfortypages，sothatIhavenowperhapsfifteenhundredpagesofhisletters。Theywillnodoubtsomedaybepublished，butIamnotevenreferringtothemintheserecords，whichIthinkhadbestcometothereaderwithanoldman’sfalteringsanduncertainties。Withhisfrequentabsencesandmyownabroad，andtheintrusionofcalamitouscares，therichtideofhisletterswasmoreandmoreinterrupted。Attimesitalmostceased，andthenitwouldcomeagain，atorrent。Intheverylastweeksofhislifeheburstforth，and，thoughtooweakhimselftowrite，hedictatedhisragewithmeforrecommendingtohimacertainauthorwhosetruthfulnesshecouldnotdeny，butwhomhehatedforhistruthfulnesstosordidanduglyconditions。AtheartClemenswasromantic，andhewouldhavehadtheworldoffictionstatelyandhandsomeandwhatevertherealworldwasnot；buthewasnotromanticistic，andhewastoohelplesslyanartistnottowishhisownworktoshowlifeashehadseenit。IwaspreparingtoraphimbackfortheseletterswhenIreadthathehadgothometodie；hewouldhavelikedtherappingback。
　　HelikedcomingtoBoston，especiallyforthoseluncheonsanddinnersinwhichthefertilehospitalityofourpublisher，Osgood，abounded。HedweltequidistantfromBostonandNewYork，andhehadspecialfriendsinNewYork，buthesaidhemuchpreferredcomingtoBoston；oflateyearsheneverwentthere，andhehadlostthehabitofitlongbeforehecamehomefromEuropetoliveinNewYork。Atthesefeasts，whichwereoftenofafter—dinner—speakingmeasure，hecouldalwaysbetrustedforsomethingofamazingdelightfulness。Once，whenOsgoodcouldthinkofnootheroccasionforadinner，hegavehimselfabirthdaydinner，andaskedhisfriendsandauthors。Thebeautifulandsplendidtrooper—likeblaringwasthere，andIrecallhowinthelong，ramblingspeechinwhichClemenswentroundthetablehittingeveryheadatit，andespeciallyvisitingOsgoodwiththanksforhisingeniouspretextforourentertainment，hecongratulatedblaringuponhisengineeringgeniusandhishypnoticcontrolofmunicipalgovernments。Hesaidthatiftherewasaplanfordrainingacityatacostofamillion，byseekingthelevelofthewaterinthedown—hillcourseofthesewers，blaringwouldcomewithaplantodrainthattownup—hillattwicethecostandcarryitthroughtheCommonCouncilwithoutopposition。Itishardtosaywhetherthetimewasgladderatthesedinners，oratthesmalllunchesatwhichOsgoodandAldrichandIforegatheredwithhimandtalkedtheafternoonawaytillwelltowardthewintertwilight。
　　Hewasagreatfigure，andtheprincipalfigure，atoneofthefirstofthenowworn—outAuthors’Readings，whichwasheldintheBostonMuseumtoaidaLongfellowmemorial。ItwasthelateGeorgeParsonsLathrop（everybodyseemstobelateinthesesaddays）whoimaginedthereading，butwhenitcametoapriceforseatsIcanalwaysclaimthegloryoffixingitatfivedollars。Thepriceifnottheoccasionprovedirresistible，andthemuseumwaspackedfromthefloortothetopmostgallery。Nortonpresided，andwhenitcameClemens’sturntoreadheintroducedhimwithsuchexquisitepraisesashebestknewhowtogive，butbeforeheclosedhefellapreytooneofthoselapsesoftactwhicharethepeculiarperilofpeopleofthegreatesttact。HewasremindedofDarwin’sdelightinMarkTwain，andhowwhenhecamefromhislongday’sexhaustingstudy，andsankintobedatmidnight，hetookupavolumeofMarkTwain，whosebookshealwayskeptonatablebesidehim，andwhateverhadbeenhistormentingproblem，orexcessoftoil，hefeltsecureofagoodnight’srestfromit。AsortofblankensuedwhichClemensfilledintheonlypossibleway。Hesaidheshouldalwaysbegladthathehadcontributedtothereposeofthatgreatman，whomscienceowedsomuch，andthenwithoutwaitingforthejoyineverybreasttoburstforth，hebegantoread。Itwascurioustowatchhistriumphwiththehouse。Hiscarefullystudiedeffectswouldreachthefirstrowsintheorchestrafirst，andrippleinlaughterbacktothestandeesagainstthewall，andthenwithafineresurgencecomeagaintotherearorchestraseats，andsorisefromgallerytogallerytillitfellback，acataractofapplausefromthetopmostrowsofseats。Hewassuchapractisedspeakerthatheknewallthestopsofthatsimpleinstrumentman，andthereisnodoubtthattheseresultswereaccuratelyintendedfromhisunerringknowledge。HewasthemostconsummatepublicperformerIeversaw，anditwasanincomparablepleasuretohearhimlecture；ontheplatformhewasthegreatandfinishedactorwhichheprobablywouldnothavebeenonthestage。Hewasfondofprivatetheatricals，andlikedtoplayinthemwithhischildrenandtheirfriends，indramatizationsofsuchstoriesofhisas’ThePrinceandthePauper；’butIneversawhiminanyofthesescenes。Whenhereadhismanuscripttoyou，itwaswithathorough，howeverinvoluntary，recognitionofitsdramaticqualities；heheldthatanactoraddedfullyhalftothecharactertheauthorcreated。Withmyownhurriedandhalf—
　　heartedreadingofpassageswhichIwishedtotryonhimfromunprintedchapters（say，outof’TheUndiscoveredCountry’or’AModernInstance’）
　　hesaidfranklythatmyreadingcouldspoilanything。Hewasrealistic，buthewasessentiallyhistrionic，andhewasrightlyso。Whatwehavestronglyconceivedweoughttomakeothersstronglyimagine，andweoughttouseeverygenuinearttothatend。
　　XIV。
　　Therecameatimewhenthelecturingwhichhadbeenthejoyofhisprimebecamehisloathing，loathingunutterable，andwhenherenounceditwithindescribableviolence。Yethewasalwayshankeringforthosefleshpotswhosesavorlingeredonhispalateandfilledhisnostrilsafterhiswithdrawalfromtheplatform。TheAuthors’Readingswhentheyhadwontheirbriefpopularityaboundedinsuggestionforhim。Readingfromone’sbookwasnotsobadasgivingalecturewrittenforalecture’spurpose，andhewaswillingatlasttocompromise。HehadamagnificentschemefortouringthecountrywithAldrichandMr。G。W。Cableandmyself，inaprivatecar，withacookofourown，andeveryfacilityforlivingonthefatoftheland。Weshouldreadonlyfourtimesaweek，inanentertainmentthatshouldnotlastmorethananhourandahalf。Hewouldbetheimpresario，andwouldguaranteeusothersatleastseventy—
　　fivedollarsaday，andpayeveryexpenseoftheenterprise，whichheprovisionallycalledtheCircus，himself。ButAldrichandIwerenownolongerinthoseearlierthirtieswhenwesocheerfullyimagined’MemorableMurders’forsubscriptionpublication；webothabhorredpublicappearances，and，atanyrate，IwasgoingtoEuropeforayear。SotheplanfellthroughexceptasregardedMr。Cable，who，inhisway，wasasfineaperformerasClemens，andcouldbothreadandsingthematterofhisbooks。Onafarlessstupendousscaletheytwomadetheroundsofthegreatlecturingcircuittogether。ButIbelieveafamouslecture—
　　managerhadchargeofthemandtravelledwiththem。
　　Hewasamostsanguineman，amostamiableperson，andsuchabelieverinfortunethatClemensusedtosayofhim，ashesaidofoneofhisearlypublishers，thatyoucouldrelyuponfiftypercent。ofeverythinghepromised。Imyselfmanyyearslaterbecameafollowerofthishopefulprophet，andIcantestifythatinmycaseatleasthewasabletokeepninety—nine，andevenahundred，percent。ofhisword。ItwasIwhowasmuchnearerfailingofmine，forIpromptlybegantolosesleepfromthenervousstressofmylecturingandfromthegratifyingbutkillingreceptionsafterward，andIwastrulyinthatstatefrominsomniawhichClemensrecognizedinthebriefletterIgotfromhimintheWesterncity，afterhalfadozenwakefulnights。Hesardonicallycongratulatedmeonhavinggoneinto"thelecturefield，"andthenhesaid："Iknowwhereyouarenow。Youareinhell。"
　　Itwasthisperditionwhichhere—enteredwhenheundertookthatround—
　　the—worldlecturingtourforthepaymentofthedebtslefttohimbythebankruptcyofhisfirminthepublishingbusiness。Itwasnotpurelyperditionforhim，or，rather，itwasperditionforonlyone—halfofhim，theauthor—half；fortheactor—halfitwasparadise。Theauthorwhotakesuplecturingwithouttheabilitytogivehistrionicsupporttotheliteraryreputationwhichhebringstothecrudetestofhisreader’seyesandears，invokesaperilandamiseryunknowntothelecturerwhohasmadehisfirstpublicfromtheplatform。Clemenswasvictoriousontheplatformfromthebeginning，anditwouldbefollytopretendthathedidnotexultinhistriumphsthere。ButIsuppose，withthewearingnervesofmiddlelife，hehatedmoreandmorethepersonalswarmingofinterestuponhim，andalltheinevitableclatterofthething。Yethefacedit，andhelaboredroundourtiresomeglobethathemightpaytheuttermostfarthingofdebtswhichhehadnotknowinglycontracted，thedebtsofhispartnerswhohadmeantwellanddoneill，notbecausetheywereevil，butbecausetheywereunwise，andasunfitfortheirworkashewas。"Paywhatthouowest。"Thatisright，evenwhenthouowestitbytheerrorofothers，andevenwhenthouowestittoabank，whichhadnotlentitfromloveofthee，butinthehardlineofbusinessandthyneed。
　　Clemens’sbehaviorinthismatterredoundedtohisgloryamongthenationsofthewholeearth，andespeciallyinthisnation，sowrappedincommerceandsolittleusedtohonoramongitsmanythieves。HehadbehavedlikeWalterScott，asmillionsrejoicedtoknow，whohadnotknownhowWalterScotthadbehavedtilltheyknewitwaslikeClemens。
　　NodoubtitwillbeputtohiscreditinthebooksoftheRecordingAngel，butwhattheJudgeofalltheEarthwillsayofitattheLastDaythereisnotelling。IshouldnotbesurprisedifHeaccounteditoflessmeritthansomeotherthingsthatClemensdidandwas：lessthanhisabhorrenceoftheSpanishWar，andthedestructionoftheSouth—Africanrepublics，andourdeceitoftheFilipinos，andhishateofslavery，andhispaymentofhisportionofourrace’sdebttotheraceofthecoloredstudentwhomhesawthroughcollege，andhissupportofapoorartistforthreeyearsinParis，andhisloanofopportunitytotheyouthwhobecamethemostbrilliantofouractor—dramatists，andhiseagerpardonofthethoughtlessgirlwhowasnearpayingthepenaltyofherimpertinencewiththelossofherplace，andhisrememberingthattheinsolentbrakemangotsofewdollarsamonth，andhissympathyforworking—menstandinguptomoneyintheirUnions，andevenhispityforthewoundedbirdthrobbingoutitslittlelifeonthegrassforthepleasureofthecruelfoolwhoshotit。Theseandthethousandothercharitiesandbeneficencesinwhichheabounded，openlyorsecretly，mayavailhimmorethanthedischargeofhisfirm’sliabilitieswiththeJudgeofalltheEarth，whosurelywilldoright，butwhosemeasuresandcriterionsnomanknows，andIleastofallmen。
　　Hemadenogreatshowofsympathywithpeopleintheiranxieties，butitneverfailed，andatatimewhenIlaysickformanyweekshisletterswereofcomforttothosewhofearedImightnotriseagain。Hishandwasoutinhelpforthosewhoneededhelp，andinkindnessforthosewhoneededkindness。Thereremainsinmymindthedrearysenseofalong，longdrivetotheuttermostboundsoftheSouthEndatBoston，wherehewenttocalluponsomeobscurepersonwhoseclaimstretchedinalengtheningchainfromhisearlydaysinMissouri——amostinadequateperson，inwhosevacuitythegloomofthedulldaydeepenedtillitwasalmosttoodeepfortears。Heboretheordealwithgrimheroism，andsilentlysmokedawaythesenseofit，aswedrovebacktoCambridge，inhisslipperedfeet，sombrelymusing，sombrelyswearing。Butheknewhehaddonetheright，thekindthing，andhewascontent。HecamethewholewayfromHartfordtogowithmetoafriendlessplayofmine，whichAlessandroSalviniwasgivinginaseriesofmatineestohousesneverenlargingthemselvesbeyondthecountofthebravetwohundredwhosatitthrough，andhestayedmyfaintingspiritwithacheerbeyondflagons，joiningmeinmyjokeatthemiseryofit，andcarryingthefunfarther。
　　BeforethathehadcometowitnesstheaestheticsuicideofAnnaDickinson，whohadbeenaflaminglightofthepoliticalplatforminthewardays，andhadbeenleftbythemconsuminginahaplessambitionforthetheatre。Thepoorgirlhadhadaplaywrittenespeciallyforher，andasAnneBoleynsherantedandexhortedthroughthefiveacts，drawingevernearertheutterdefeatoftheanticlimax。Wecouldhardlylookateachotherforpity，Clemenssittingthereintheboxhehadtaken，withhisshaggyheadoutoverthecornerandhisslipperedfeetcurledunderhim：heeitherwenttoaplaceinhisslippersorhecarriedthemwithhim，andputthemonassoonashecouldputoffhisboots。Whenitwassothatwecouldnotlongerfollowherfailureandlive，hebegantotalkoftheabsolutecloseofhercareerwhichthethingwas，andhowprobablyshehadnoconceptionthatitwastheend。Hephilosophizedthemercifulnessofthefact，andoftheignoranceofmostofus，whenmortallysickorfatallywounded。Wethinkitisnottheend，becausewehaveneverendedbefore，andwedonotseehowwecanend。Somecanpushbytheawfulhourandliveagain，butforAnnaDickinsontherecouldbe，andwas，nosuchpalingenesis。Ofcoursewegotthatsolemnjoyoutofreadingherfatearightwhichisthecompensationofthewisespectatorinwitnessingtheinexorabledoomofothers。
　　XV。
　　WhenMessrs。Houghton&MifflinbecameownersofTheAtlanticMonthly，Mr。Houghtonfanciedhavingsomebreakfastsanddinners，whichshouldbringthepublisherandtheeditorfacetofacewiththecontributors，whowerebiddenfromfarandnear。Ofcourse，thesubtlefiendofadvertising，whohasnowgrownsounblushingbold，lurkedunderthecoversatthesebanquets，andthejuniorpartnerandtheyoungeditorhadtheirjointandseparatefineanguishesofmisgivingastothetasteandtheprincipleofthem；buttheywerereallyverysimple—heartedandhonestlymeanthospitalities，andtheyprosperedastheyought，andgavegreatpleasureandnopain。Iforgetsomeofthe"emergentoccasions，"
　　butIamsureofabirthdaydinnermostunexpectedlyacceptedbyWhittier，andabirthdayluncheontoMrs。Stowe，andIthinkabirthdaydinnertoLongfellow；butthepassingyearshaveleftmeinthedarkastothepretextofthatsupperatwhichClemensmadehisawfulspeech，andcamesonearbeingthedeathofusall。Atthebreakfastsandluncheonswehadthepleasureofourladycontributors’company，butthatnighttherewereonlymen，andbecauseofourgreatstrengthwesurvived。
　　Isupposetheyearwasabout1879，butherethealmanacisunimportant，andIcanonlysaythatitwasafterClemenshadbecomeaveryvaluedcontributorofthemagazine，wherehefoundhimselftohisowngreatexplicitsatisfaction。Hehadjubilantlyacceptedourinvitation，andhadpromisedaspeech，whichitappearedafterwardhehadpreparedwithunusualcareandconfidence。Itwashiscustomalwaystothinkouthisspeeches，mentallywordingthem，andthenmemorizingthembyapeculiarsystemofmnemonicswhichhehadinvented。Onthedinner—tableacertainsuccessionofknife，spoon，salt—cellar，andbutter—platesymbolizedatrainofideas，andonthebilliard—tableaball，acue，andapieceofchalkservedthesamepurpose。Withadiagramoftheseprintedonthebrainhehadfullcommandofthephraseswhichhisexcogitationhadattachedtothem，andwhichembodiedtheideasinperfectform。Hebelievedhehadbeenparticularlyfortunateinhisnotionforthespeechofthatevening，andhehadworkeditoutinjoyousself—reliance。
　　Itwasthenotionofthreetramps，threedeadbeats，visitingaCaliforniamining—camp，andimposingthemselvesupontheinnocentminersasrespectivelyRalphWaldoEmerson，HenryWadsworthLongfellow，andOliverWendell，Holmes。Thehumoroftheconceptionmustprosperormustfailaccordingtothemoodofthehearer，butClemensfeltsureofcompellingthistosympathy，andhelookedforwardtoanunparalleledtriumph。
　　Butthereweretwothingsthathehadnottakenintoaccount。Onewasthespeciesofreligiousvenerationinwhichthesemenwereheldbythosenearestthem，athingthatIshouldnotbeabletorealizetopeopleremotefromthemintimeandplace。Theyweremenofextraordinarydignity，ofthethingcalledpresence，forwantofsomeclearerword，sothatnoonecouldwellapproachtheminapersonallylightortriflingspirit。IdonotsupposethatanybodymoretrulyvaluedthemormorepiouslylovedthemthanClemenshimself，buttheintoxicationofhisfancycarriedhimbeyondtheboundsofthatregard，andemboldenedhimtotheotherthingwhichhehadnottakenintoaccount—namely，theimmensehazardofworkinghisfancyoutbeforetheirfaces，andexpectingthemtoenterintothedelightofit。IfneitherEmerson，norLongfellow，norHolmeshadbeenthere，theschememightpossiblyhavecarried，buteventhisisdoubtful，forthosewhosodevoutlyhonoredthemwouldhaveovercometheirhorrorwithdifficulty，andperhapswouldnothaveovercomeitatall。
　　Thepublisher，withamodestyveryungratefultome，hadabdicatedhisofficeofhost，andIwasthehaplesspresident，fulfillingtheabhorred。
　　functionofcallingpeopletotheirfeetandmakingthemspeak。WhenI
　　cametoClemensIintroducedhimwiththecordialadmiringIhadforhimasoneofmygreatestcontributorsanddearestfriends。Here，Isaid，insum，wasahumoristwhoneverleftyouhangingyourheadforhavingenjoyedhisjoke；andthentheamazingmistake，thebewilderingblunder，thecruelcatastrophewasuponus。Ibelievethatafterthescopeoftheburlesquemadeitselfclear，therewasnoonethere，includingtheburlesquerhimself，whowasnotsmittenwithadesolatingdismay。Therefellasilence，weighingmanytonstothesquareinch，whichdeepenedfrommomenttomoment，andwasbrokenonlybythehystericalandblood—
　　curdlinglaughterofasingleguest，whosenameshallnotbehandeddowntoinfamy。Nobodyknewwhethertolookatthespeakerordownathisplate。Ichosemyplateastheleastaffliction，andsoIdonotknowhowClemenslooked，exceptwhenIstoleaglanceathim，andsawhimstandingsolitaryamidhisappalledandappallinglisteners，withhisjokedeadonhishands。Fromafirstglanceatthegreatthreewhomhisjesthadmadeitstheme，IwasawareofLongfellowsittingupright，andregardingthehumoristwithanairofpensivepuzzle，ofHolmesbusilywritingonhismenu，withawell—feignedeffectofpreoccupation，andofEmerson，holdinghiselbows，andlisteningwithasortofJovianoblivionofthisnetherworldinthatlapseofmemorywhichsavedhiminthoselateryearsfromsomuchbother。Clemensmusthavedraggedhisjoketotheclimaxandleftitthere，butIcannotsaythisfromanysenseofthefact。Ofwhathappenedafterwardatthetablewheretheimmense，thewhollyinnocent，thetrulyunimaginedaffrontwasoffered，Ihavenolongertheleastremembrance。Inextrememberbeinginaroomofthehotel，whereClemenswasnottosleep，buttotossindespair，andCharlesDudleyWarner’ssaying，inthegloom，"Well，Mark，you’reafunnyfellow。"Itwasaswellasanythingelsehecouldhavesaid，butClemensseemedunabletoacceptthetribute。
　　Istayedthenightwithhim，andthenextmorning，afterahaggardbreakfast，wedroveaboutandhemadesomepurchasesofbric—a—bracforhishouseinHartford，withasoulasfarawayfrombric—a—bracaseverthesoulofmanwas。Hewenthomebyanearlytrain，andhelostnotimeinwritingbacktothethreedivinepersonalitieswhichhehadsoinvoluntarilyseemedtoflout。Theyallwrotebacktohim，makingitaslightforhimastheycould。IhaveheardthatEmersonwasagooddealmystified，andinhissublimeforgetfulnessasked，Whowasthisgentlemanwhoappearedtothinkhehadofferedhimsomesortofannoyance!ButI
　　amnotsurethatthisisaccurate。WhatIamsureofisthatLongfellow，afewdaysafter，inmystudy，stoppedbeforeaphotographofClemensandsaid，"Ah，heisawag!"andnothingmore。Holmestoldme，withdeepemotion，suchasabrotherhumoristmightwellfeel，thathehadnotlostaninstantinreplyingtoClemens’sletter，andassuringhimthattherehadnotbeentheleastoffence，andentreatinghimnevertothinkofthematteragain。"Hesaidthathewasafool，buthewasGod’sfool，"
　　Holmesquotedfromtheletter，withatruesenseofthepathosandthehumoroftheself—abasement。
　　TomeClemenswroteaweeklater，"Itdoesn’tgetanybetter；itburnslikefire。"ButnowIunderstandthatitwasnotshamethatburnt，butrageforablunderwhichhehadsoincrediblycommitted。Thattohaveconceivedofthosemen，themostdignifiedinourliterature，ourcivilization，asimpersonablebythreehoboes，andthentohaveimaginedthathecouldaskthempersonallytoenjoythemonstroustravesty，wasabreak，hesawtoolate，forwhichtherewasnorepair。Yetthetimecame，andnotsoverylongafterward，whensomementionwasmadeoftheincidentasamistake，andhesaid，withallhisfierceness，"ButIdon’tadmitthatitwasamistake，"anditwasnotsointhemindsofallwitnessesatsecondhand。ThemorningafterthedreadfuldinnertherecameaglowingnotefromProfessorChild，whohadreadthenewspaperreportofit，praisingClemens’sburlesqueastherichestpieceofhumorintheworld，andbetrayingnosenseofincongruityinitsperpetrationinthepresenceofitsvictims。IthinkitmustalwayshavegroundinClemens’ssoul，thathewasthepreyofcircumstances，andthatifhehadsomemorefavoringoccasionhecouldretrievehislossinitbygivingthethingtherightsetting。Notmorethantwoorthreeyearsago，hecametotrymeastotryingitagainatameetingofnewspapermeninWashington。Ihadtoownmyfears，whileIallegedChild’snoteontheotherhand，butintheendhedidnottryitwiththenewspapermen。I
　　donotknowwhetherhehaseverprinteditornot，butsincethethinghappenedIhaveoftenwonderedhowmuchoffencetherereallywasinit。
　　Iamnotsurebutthehorrorofthespectatorsreadmoreindignationintothesubjectsofthehaplessdrollingthantheyfelt。Butitmusthavebeendifficultforthemtobearitwithequanimity。Tobesure，theywerenotthemselvesmocked；thejokewas，ofcourse，besidethem；
　　nevertheless，theirpersonalitywastrifledwith，andIcouldonlyendbyreflectingthatifIhadbeenintheirplaceIshouldnothavelikeditmyself。Clemenswouldhavelikedithimself，forhehadtheheartforthatsortofwildplay，andhesolovedajokethatevenifittooktheformofaliberty，andwasyetagoodjoke，hewouldhavelovedit。Butperhapsthisburlesquewasnotagoodjoke。
　　XVI。
　　ClemenswasoftenestatmyhouseinCambridge，buthewasalsosometimesatmyhouseinBelmont；when，afterayearinEurope，wewenttoliveinBoston，hewasmorerarelywithus。Wecouldneverbelongtogetherwithoutsomethingoutofthecommonhappening，andonedaysomethingfaroutofthecommonhappened，whichfortunatelyrefusedthenatureofabsolutetragedy，whileremainingratherthesaddestsortofcomedy。WewerelookingoutofmylibrarywindowonthatviewoftheCharleswhichI
　　wassoproudofsharingwithmyall—but—next—doorneighbor，DoctorHolmes，whenanotherfriendwhowaswithuscalledoutwithcuriouslyimpersonalinterest，"Oh，seethatwomangettingintothewater!"Thiswouldhaveexcitedcuriosityandalarmedanxietyfarlesslivelythanours，andClemensandIrusheddownstairsandoutthroughmybasementandbackgate。Atthesametimeacoachmancameoutofastablenextdoor，andgrappledbytheshouldersawomanwhowassomewhatdeliberatelygettingdownthestepstothewateroverthefaceoftheembankment。
　　Beforewecouldreachthemhehadpulledheruptothedriveway，andstoodholdinghertherewhileshecrazilygrievedatherrescue。Assoonashesawushewentbackintohisstable，andleftuswiththepoorwildcreatureonourhands。Shewasnotveryyoungandnotverypretty，andwecouldnothaveflatteredourselveswiththenotionofanythingromanticinhersuicidalmania，butwecouldtakeheronthebroadhumanlevel，andonthisweproposedtoescortherupBeaconStreettillwecouldgiveherintothekeepingofoneofthosekindlypolicemenwhomourneighborhoodknew。NaturallytherewasnopolicemanknowntousorunknownthewholewaytothePublicGarden。Wehadtocircumventourchargeinherpresentdesignofdrowningherself，andwalkherpastthestreetscrossingBeacontotheriver。Atthesepointsitneededconsiderablereasoningtoovercomeherwishandsomeactivemanoeuvringinbothofustoenforceourarguments。Nobodyelseappearedtobeinterested，andthoughwedidnotcourtpublicityintheperformanceofthedutysostrangelylaiduponus，stillitwasratherdisappointingtobesoentirelyignored。
　　Therearesomefourorfivecrossingstotheriverbetween302BeaconStreetandthePublicGarden，andthesuggestionsatourcommandwereprettywellexhaustedbythetimewereachedit。Stilltheexpectedpolicemanwasnowhereinsight；butabrilliantthoughtoccurredtoClemens。Heaskedmewherethenearestpolicestationwas，andwhenI
　　toldhim，hestartedoffathishighestspeed，leavingmeinsolechargeofourhaplessward。Allmypowersofsuasionwerenowtaxedtotheutmost，andIbeganattractingattentionasashort，stoutgentlemaninearlymiddlelifeendeavoringtodistrainarespectablefemaleofherpersonalliberty，whenhisaccomplicehadabandonedhimtohiswickeddesign。AfteramuchlongertimethanIthoughtIshouldhavetakentogetapolicemanfromthestation，ClemensreappearedineasyconversationwithanofficerwhohadprobablyrealizedthathewasinthecompanyofMarkTwain，andwasinnohurrytoendtheinterview。Hetookpossessionofourcaptive，andwesawhernomore。Inowwonderthatwithourjointinstinctforfailureweevergotridofher；butIamsurewedid，andfewthingsinlifehavegivenmegreaterrelief。Whenwegotbacktomyhousewefoundthefriendwehadlefttherequiteunruffledandnotmuchconcernedtoknowthefactsofouradventure。Myimpressionisthathehadbeentakinganaponmylounge；beappearedrefreshedandevengay；
　　butifIaminexactinthesedetailsheisalivetorefuteme。
　　XVII。
　　AlittleafterthisClemenswentabroadwithhisfamily，andlivedseveralyearsinGermany。Hislettersstillcame，butatlongerintervals，andthethreadofourintimaterelationswasinevitablybroken。HewouldwritemewhensomethingIhadwrittenpleasedhim，orwhensomethingsignaloccurredtohim，orsomepoliticalorsocialoutragestirredhimtowrath，andhewishedtofreehismindinpiousprofanity。DuringthissojournhecameneardyingofpneumoniainBerlin，andhehadslightrelapsesfromitaftercominghome。InBerlinalsohehadthehonorofdiningwiththeGermanEmperoratthetableofacousinmarriedtoahighofficerofthecourt。Clemenswasamantoenjoysuchadistinction；heknewhowtotakeitasadelegatedrecognitionfromtheGermanpeople；butascomingfromarathercockahoopsovereignwhohadasyetonlyhissovereigntytovaluehimselfupon，hewasnotveryproudofit。Heexpressedaquietdisdainoftheeventasbetweentheimperialityandhimself，onwhomitwassupposedtoconfersuchglory，crowninghislifewiththetopmostleafoflaurel。HewasinthesamemoodinhisaccountofanEnglishdinnermanyyearsbefore，wheretherewasa"littleScotchlord"present，towhomtheEnglishtacitlyreferredClemens’stalk，andlaughedwhenthelordlaughed，andweregravewhenhefailedtosmile。OfallthemenIhaveknownhewasthefarthestfromasnob，thoughhevaluedrecognition，andlikedtheflatteryofthefashionablefairwhenitcameinhisway。Hewouldnotgooutofhiswayforit，butlikemostableandbrilliantmenhelovedthemindsofwomen，theirwit，theiragilecleverness，theirsensitiveperception，theirhumorousappreciation，thesaucythingstheywouldsay，andtheirpretty，temerariousdefiances。Hehad，ofcourse，thekeenestsenseofwhatwastrulydignifiedandtrulyundignifiedinpeople；buthewasnotreallyinterestedinwhatwecallsocietyaffairs；theyscarcelyexistedforhim，thoughhisbookswitnesshowheabhorredthedreadfulfoolswhothroughsomechanceofbirthorwealthholdthemselvesdifferentfromothermen。
　　Commonlyhedidnotkeepthingstohimself，especiallydislikesandcondemnations。Uponmostcurrenteventshehadstrongopinions，andheutteredthemstrongly。Afterawhilehewassilentinthem，butifyoutriedhimyoufoundhiminthemstill。Hewastremendouslyworkedupbyacertainfamoustrial，asmostofuswerewholivedinthetimeofit。
　　Hebelievedtheaccusedguilty，butwhenwemetsomemonthsafteritwasover，andItemptedhimtospeakhisminduponit，hewouldonlysay。
　　Themanhadsufferedenough；asifthemanhadexpiatedhiswrong，andhewasnotgoingtodoanythingtorenewhispenalty。Ifoundthatverycurious，verydelicate。Hiscontinuedblamecouldnotcometothesufferer’sknowledge，buthefeltithisdutytoforbearit。
　　Hewasapttowearhimselfoutinthevehemenceofhisresentments；or，hehadsospenthimselfinutteringthemthathehadliterallynothingmoretosay。YoucouldofferClemensoffencesthatwouldangerothermenandhedidnotmind；hewouldaccountforthemfromhumannature；butifhethoughtyouhadinanywayplayedhimfalseyouwereanathemaandmaranathaforever。Yetnotforever，perhaps，forbyand—by，afteryears，hewouldbesilent。Thereweretwomen，halfagenerationapartintheirsuccession，whomhethoughtequallyatrociousintheirtreasontohim，andofwhomheusedtotalkterrifyingly，evenaftertheywereoutoftheworld。HewentfartherthanHeine，whosaidthatheforgavehisenemies，butnottilltheyweredead。Clemensdidnotforgivehisdeadenemies；
　　theirdeathseemedtodeepentheircrimes，likeabaseevasion，oracowardlyattempttoescape；hepursuedthemtothegrave；hewouldliketodigthemupandtakevengeanceupontheirclay。Sohesaid，butnodoubthewouldnothavehurtthemifhehadhadthemlivingbeforehim。
　　Hewasgenerouswithoutstint；hetrustedwithoutmeasure，butwherehisgenerositywasabused，orhistrustbetrayed，hewasafireofvengeance，aconsumingflameofsuspicionthatnosprinklingofcoolpatiencefromotherscouldquench；ithadtoburnitselfout。Hewaseagerlyandlavishlyhospitable，butifamanseemedwillingtobattenonhim，orinanywaytoliedownuponhim，Clemensdespisedhimunutterably。Inhisfrenziesofresentmentorsuspicionhewouldnot，anddoubtlesscouldnot，listentoreason。Butifbetweentheparoxysmshewereconfrontedwiththefactshewouldownthem，nomatterhowmuchtheytoldagainsthim。Atoneperiodhefanciedthatacertainnewspaperwashoundinghimwithbitingcensureandpoisonousparagraphs，andhewasfillinghimselfupwithwrathtobedulydischargedontheeditor’shead。Later，hewrotemewithahumorousjoyinhismistakethatWarnerhadadvisedhimtohavethepaperwatchedfortheseinjuries。Hehaddoneso，andhowmanymentionsofhimdidIreckonhehadfoundinthreemonths？Justtwo，andtheywereratherindifferentthanunfriendly。Sothepaperwasacquitted，andtheeditor’slifewasspared。Thewretchneverknewhownearhewastolosingit，withincrediblepreliminariesofobloquy，andasubsequentdevotiontolastinginfamy。
　　Hismemoryforfavorswasasgoodasforinjuries，andhelikedtoreturnyourfriendlinesswithasloudabandofmusicascouldbeboughtorbribedfortheoccasion。Allthatyouhadtodowastosignifythatyouwantedhishelp。WhenmyfatherwasconsulatTorontoduringArthur’sadministration，hefanciedthathisplacewasindanger，andheappealedtome。InturnIappealedtoClemens，bethinkingmyselfofhisfriendshipwithGrantandGrant’sfriendshipwithArthur。IaskedhimtowritetoGrantinmyfather’sbehalf，butNo，heansweredme，ImustcometoHartford，andwewouldgoontoNewYorktogetherandseeGrantpersonally。Thiswasbefore，andlongbefore，ClemensbecameGrant’spublisherandsplendidbenefactor，butthemenlikedeachotherassuchmencouldnothelpdoing。Clemensmadetheappointment，andwewenttofindGrantinhisbusinessoffice，thatplacewherehisbusinessinnocencewasafterwardsobetrayed。Hewasverysimpleandverycordial，andIwasinstantlythemoreathomewithhim，becausehisvoicewasthesoft，rounded，OhioRiveraccenttowhichmyyearswereearliestusedfrommysteamboatinguncles，myearliestheroes。WhenIstatedmybusinesshemerelysaid，Ohno；thatmustnotbe；hewouldwritetoMr。
　　Arthur；andhedidsothatday；andmyfatherlivedtolaydownhisoffice，whenhetiredofit，withnourgencefromabove。