I suppose I owe you letters and letters--but you don't particularly
like to write letters yourself, so you'll understand.
* * * * *
Hanging before me is a water-color of a bit of Carmel Beach, by Chris
Jorgensen, for which I blew in fifty dollars the other day. He had a
fine exhibition of his Californian work here. I wanted to buy it all,
but compromised with my desire by buying what I could. The picture has
a sentimental value to me, apart from its artistic.
* * * * *
I am to see Neale in a few days and shall try to learn definitely when
his magazine is to come out--if he knows. If he does not I'll withdraw
your poem. Next month he is to republish "The Monk and the Hangman's
Daughter," with a new preface which somebody will not relish. I'll
send you a copy. The Howes book is on its travels among the
publishers, and so, doubtless, will long continue.
Sincerely yours,
AMBROSE BIERCE.
[The Army and Navy Club, Washington, D. C.,
February 5, 1907.]