Vol 3 Section 0816

this time. So the denouement, with all its farcical elements, does not come up as a complete surprise” [Tenney: “A Reference Guide Sixth Annual Supplement,” American Literary Realism, Spring 1982 p. 9].

November 1902 to June 1903 – Sometime during this period, Sam wrote to Magnus Gross, declining an invitation due to his wife’s health [MTP]. Note: see another decline to Gross on Nov. 4, 1901. Also, Sam and Gross spoke at the Mar. 16, 1901 Male Teachers of N.Y. Assoc. dinner.

November 1 Saturday – In Riverdale, N.Y.: Sam’s notebook: “Miss Lyon came. / A reading in private house for Mrs. Bartholomew’s charity. / The Duel. Watermelon / Old Ram. Ornithorhyncus. / Mex. Plug. Russ. Passport. / Xms. Whistling. Golden Arm” [NB 45 TS 33]. Note: this is the reading canceled on May 1, 1902. Evidently he gave another reading for this charity on Dec. 20.

Michael Droogan sent Clemens a bill for $2.75 for an Oct. 30 purchase of “potatoe cider” [1902 Financials file MTP].

John D. Whitney wrote from NY to Sam, confessing to not yet be 40 years old but of having some good “old” friends, and named Calvin H. Higbie of Greenville, Calif. and Judge Adair Wilson of Durango, Colo. Whitney asked if he might tell Sam about them, and if he could call [MTP]. Note: on the env. Sam wrote “Tell him to go to Hell.” Without a letter of introduction Whitney’s note was likely seen as brash, given the sensibilities of that time.

November 2 Sunday – In Riverdale, N.Y. Sam wrote to Edward W. Ordway, secretary of the Anti-Imperialist League: “Although I cannot do any of the work myself, I shall be mighty glad to advise others what to do; therefore, accidents not preventing, I shall be at 501 at 4 p.m.” Nov. 13th” [MTP].

Sam also wrote to commiserate with Sir Thomas Wardle on the loss of his wife, Lady Wardle:

I was deeply pained by the news of Lady Wardle’s death, & Mrs. Clemens will not be less grieved when it comes to her knowledge. I do not know how you will be able to bear such a loss, nor what your life will be, with that beautiful spirit withdrawn from it. When the sad tidings came I was pondering the gloomy problem of what my own life was soon likely to become, for we thought that my wife’s days were drawing swiftly to a close. But the danger-point of the malady that was threatening her was safely passed, presently, & our fears were relieved. But in the place of that malady, nervous prostration was left. It is three months, now, that Mrs. Clemens is confined to her bed; it will be many months before she will be on her feet again. But she is bright,

      usually cheerful, & bears her captivity well. No one is allowed to see her except the physician, the trained nurse & my eldest daughter. The other daughter & I have not seen her for more than a month. No word from the outside world that could move her emotions is allowed to reach her.

For her as well as for myself I offer to you & to your daughter our heartfelt sympathy in your profound bereavement [MTP].

Sam also wrote a short note to Frank N. Doubleday “Mrs. Clemens is always shirking her dues to Sequoya Leagues and things, but when she is sick and unable to help herself I square them up, for I am an honest person, and the only one in this family, and perhaps in the state.” Livy was “getting along fairly well,” he wrote; Clara was the only one who was able to see her since a month ago [MTP].

Sam’s notebook: “Contract with Dillingham—Huck Finn producible Nov. 2/ 02” [NB 45 TS 36].

November 3 Monday – Sam’s notebook: “Rehearsal, 10.30 a.m. carry play & check for house money. Tailor, Emery, 246 – 5th ave. ” [NB 45 TS 33]. Note: The play rehearsal was Lee Arthur’s HF, arranged by Dillingham; see Nov. 7 NB and prior entries. The 1900 Biographical directory of the state of New York lists Edwin W. Emery, Tailor at that address in N.Y.C.

SLC used mourning border for most letters from Susy’s death on, then from Livy’s death on.