"C---- and ---- were first at breakfast, but Mr. Emerson soon
followed. The latter had been some time at work, and his hands were
cold. I had heard him stirring before seven o'clock. He came down
bright and fresh, however, with the very spirit of youth in his face.
At table they fell upon that unfailing resource in conversation,
anecdotes of animals and birds. Speaking of parrots, Mr. Emerson said
he had never heard a parrot say any of these wonderful things himself,
but the Storer family of Cambridge, who were very truthful people, had
told him astonishing anecdotes of a bird belonging to them, which he
could not disbelieve because they told him.
"At ten o'clock we went to Miss L----'s, where the young ladies' club
was convened to hear Mr. Emerson on 'Manners.' He told us we should do
better to stay at home, as we had heard this paper many times. Happily
we did not take his advice. There were many good things added, beside
the pleasure of hearing the old ones revived. One of the things new to
me was the saying of a wise woman, who remarked that she 'did not
think so much of what people said as of what made them say it.' It was
pretty to see the enthusiasm of the girls, and to hear what Celia
Thaxter called their 'virile applause.'"
During the same season Emerson consented to give a series of readings
in Boston. He was not easily persuaded to the undertaking until he
felt assured of the very hearty coöperation which the proposed title
of "Conversations" made evident to him. The following note will give
some idea of his feeling with regard to the plan.
CONCORD, 24th February, 1872.
DEAR ----: You are always offering me kindness and eminent privileges,
and for this courageous proposition of "Conversations on Literature
with Friends, at Mechanics' Hall," I pause and poise between pleasure
and fear. The name and the undertaking are most attractive; but
whether it can be adequately attempted by me, who have a couple of
tasks which Osgood and Company know of, now on my slow hands, I
hesitate to affirm. Well, the very proposal will perhaps arm my head
and hands to drive these tasks to a completion. And you shall give me
a few days' grace, and I will endeavor to send you a considerate
answer.