The visitors found the country lonely. One evening I dropped in unexpectedly at the office, and my presence seemed to excite an odd embarrassment. It developed that my friends were giving a party, so of course I at once withdrew gracefully.
Some time later, a young man about town informed me, grinningly, that them letters I got from editors were suttinly rich! Upon inquiry I found that my guests kindly elucidated the art of writing, to their local acquaintance, by means of my correspondence.
Nor did they deny the matter. They were so puzzled at my objections that anger could not exist; since I did object, of course it would occur no more. In the face of so charming a simplicity, what could the ruffled course of hospitality do but resume the even tenor of its way?
But little things, as is their habit, in time grow onerous. Around the books, the rare and curious objects, the writing tools, climbed filth and squalor unbelievable. In despair, seeking the kindliest way out of the impasse, I was summoned away for a month or so. Not without some misgivings—quite justified by events.
When I returned to the office, I found that my guests had departed. So had many of my books and things. In their stead remained castoff raiment and much misplaced matter.
I have now adopted the firm rule of invariably inquiring into the politics of a friend before erecting him into the status of a guest.
Sonnet au Lecteur
I hailed you, reader, after ancient wont,
Crying "Bonjour!" upon my first fair page;
Closes my book in type of gloomier font—
For we are come into a perilous age.
Gone are the golden days of merry wage,
Of nymphs and laughing gods, of kings who ranted,
Of sober men who jeered me for a child,
Of merry fools who jeered me for a sage.
In factioned strife our troubled time is veiled,
Our poets sing, with politics inflamed;
Yet shall I not be counted to have failed
If you, who read me, read me once again!
And if two words my wisdom may contain,
Let them be Joy and Folly, unashamed!
HERE ENDS THE BOOK
BIGFOOT JOE & OTHERS
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AUTHOR AND THIRTY COPIES
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