CHAPTER XIII
BRET HARTE’S DEPARTURE FROM CALIFORNIA
Bret Harte, as we have seen, was, for a few years at least, well placed in San Francisco, but, as time went on, he had many causes of unhappiness. There were heavy demands upon his purse from persons not of his immediate family, which he was too generous to refuse, although they distressed, harassed and discouraged him. His own constitutional improvidence added to the difficulties thus created.
Mr. Noah Brooks, who knew Bret Harte well, has very truly described this aspect of his life: “It would be grossly unjust to say that Harte was a species of Harold Skimpole, deliberately making debts that he did not intend to pay. He sincerely intended and expected to meet every financial obligation that he contracted. But he was utterly destitute of what is sometimes called the money sense. He could not drive a bargain, and he was an easy mark for any man who could. Consequently he was continually involved in troubles that he might have escaped with a little more financial shrewdness.”
The theory, thus stated by Mr. Brooks, is supported by an unsolicited letter, now first published, but written shortly after Mr. Harte’s death:—
... After going abroad, Mr. Harte from time to time—whenever able to do so—sent through the business house of my husband and son money in payment of bills he was yet owing,—and this when three thousand miles removed from the pressure of payment,—which too many would have left unpaid. Life was often hard for him, yet he met it uncomplainingly, unflinchingly and bravely. A kindly, sweet soul, one without gall, bitterness or envy, has gone beyond the reach of our finite voices, leaving the world to us who knew and loved him darker and poorer in his absence.
Mrs. Charles Watrous
Hague, N. Y.
May 26, 1902.