I accept with pleasure your evidence that the Piano is not as black as
I have painted, albeit the logical inference is that I'm pretty black
myself. Indubitably I'm "in outer darkness," and can only say to you:
"Lead, kindly light." Thank you for the funny article on the luxury
question--from the funny source. But you really must not expect me
to answer it, nor show you wherein it is "wrong." I cannot discern the
expediency of you having any "views" at all in those matters--even
correct ones. If I could have my way you should think of more
profitable things than the (conceded) "wrongness" of a world which is
the habitat of a wrongheaded and wronghearted race of irreclaimable
savages. * * * When woman "broadens her sympathies" they become
annular. Don't.
Cosgrave came over yesterday for a "stroll," but as he had a dinner
engagement to keep before going home, he was in gorgeous gear. So I
kindly hoisted him atop of Grizzly Peak and sent him back across the
Bay in a condition impossible to describe, save by the aid of a wet
dishclout for illustration.
Please ask your father when and where he wants me to sit for the
portrait. If that picture is not sold, and ever comes into my
possession, I shall propose to swap it for yours. I have always wanted
to lay thievish hands on that, and would even like to come by it
honestly. But what under the sun would I do with either that or mine?
Fancy me packing large paintings about to country hotels and places of
last resort!
Leigh is living with me now. Poor chap, the death of his aunt has made
him an orphan. I feel a profound compassion for any one whom an
untoward fate compels to live with _me_. However, such a one is sure
to be a good deal alone, which is a mitigation.
With good wishes for all your people, I am sincerely yours,