Have written Orion to return that thing & keep no copy. Doubtless you were right. It should only be shown to people who are learned enough to appreciate it as a very able piece of literary art. Heretofore it has only been shown to Bishops, Presidents of colleges, &c., & has always compelled their applause; but Orion does not run with that sort of people.

I enclose (if I don’t forget it) check for $200.

I am not worried about

about 10 lines (50 words) cut away

I’ve got another telephone wire up, now, all to myself—from the house to the Western Union telegraph office—so one of my cussedest aggravations is at an end. It is like adding a hundred servants to one’s staff for a cent apiece per week.

I got up a kind of marvelous invention the other day, & I could make a mighty fortune out of it but for the fact that anybody can infringe the patent that wants to & I shan’t be able to catch them at it.

Livy’s ailing, a trifle, but will be able to go down to dinner; the rest all well & send love—also gratitude that Ma is progressing so handsomely.