How you startle me! Can a man so near by, fall sick, & linger along, & approach death, & a body never hear of it? This is the most surprising thing that has come under my notice lately—for I am in correspondence with Boston all the time, these days,. I supposed Howells went to Toronto the 20th, & that he would fetch around & join Osgood & me in Montreal three or four days from now. I was counting on this programme with the entirest confidence.

I reach Boston tonight, & leave for Montreal by the earliest train in the morning. Doubtless visitors would be an incumbrance, now; s neverthel[e]ss if I had got your letter an hour sooner I could have caught the noon train, & so would have looked in on you a moment thsis evening, if (after inquiring of the Fairchilds as to the propriety of it.)

It seems to me that Winny’s long illness filled up your share of trouble; but then these things never trickle, they pour. Well, that the danger is over, is a good deal to be thankful for, anyway. Mrs. Clemens sends her love & sympathy.