I am mighty glad your first judgment of the book still holds good. The approval of competent minds is the main thing; I strongly want the book to achieve that; that it should sell well is a very much less important matter.

No, my boy, we couldn’t have spoken of the baronet matter (eh?); because I should have known in an instant that baronets in Henry VIII’s time wouldn’t begin to answer. I’ve suggested to Osgood a foot-note which is possibly a leather-headedⒶemendation way out of the difficulty, & asked him to advise with you & Howells about it. If there was no baronet but Miles, I could turn him into a knight, easily enough; but there’s his derned old father & his brother besides, & they would make just no end of trouble, because there is so much about the transmission of the title; whereas I can’t venture to let a knight transmit his title. It would be indecent.

We are all sorry the gout has got you again, but glad it promises to be brief. You have the sympathy of the rheumatics here: of whom there be three. The unholy decorators have not yet begun their depredations, & Mrs. Clemens is in despair. But all right—we shall require that visit just the same, when the time comes.

I wish you had to go to Canada (Montreal,) Nov. 22, because in that case Osgood & Howells & I could have your society. I go, then, & I hope the others can & will. I remain a fortnight.

We all send our best to you & Koto.