TŌKYŌ, February, 1898.
MY DEAR FRIENDS,--I am going to address you together, as that will save
me from the attempt to write in two keys corresponding to the differing
charm of your two letters. Certainly it gave me, as you surmised,
sincere pleasure to hear from you. Mrs. Albee surprised me at the same
time by a most agreeable, though I fear somewhat _generous_, reference
to a forgotten letter. I think I must have penned many extravagances in
those days. I _know_ it--in certain cases: anyhow I should be afraid
to read my own letters to Mr. Albee over again. As for my old ambition
then expressed, I don't quite know what to say. The attempt referred to
led me far at one time in the wrong direction--though whatever I have
learned of style has certainly been due rather to French and Spanish
studies than to English ones. I have now dropped theories, nevertheless;
and I simply try to do the best I can, without reference to schools.
Do you know that I had a dim notion always that Mr. Albee was a
millionaire,--or at least a very wealthy dilettante?--which would be
the best of reasons for never sending him a book, notwithstanding my
grateful remembrance of his first generous encouragement. (_Here_ I use
"generous" in the strongest meaning possible.) I am, _selfishly_, rather
pleased to hear that the price of a book is sometimes for him, as for
me, a question worth thinking over--because the fact permits me to offer
him a volume occasionally. Otherwise indeed I wish he were rich as my
fancy painted him.
You say that you have not read "all my books on Japan." Any that you
particularly care to read, I can send you--though I should not recommend
the "Glimpses," except for reference. "Kokoro" would probably best
please Mrs. Albee, and after it, "Out of the East." Hereafter I shall
send a copy of every "new book" to you. Of course I shall be glad to
have the pleasure of seeing Mr. Albee's "Prose Idyls"--many sincere
thanks for the kind remembrance!
With kindest and best regards, faithfully ever,