when he returns. The head of the house joins me in warmest greetings and

remembrances to you and Mrs. MacAlister.

Ever yours,

Mark.

May 8. Great Scott! I never mailed this letter! I addressed it, put

"Registered" on it--then left it lying unsealed on the arm of my chair,

and rushed up to my bed quaking with a chill. I've never been out of the

bed since--oh, bronchitis, rheumatism, two sets of teeth aching, land,

I've had a dandy time for 4 weeks. And to-day--great guns, one of the

very worst!...

I'm devilish sorry, and I do apologise--for although I am not as slow

as you are about answering letters, as a rule, I see where I'm standing

this time.

Two weeks ago Jean was taken down again--this time with measles, and I

haven't been able to go to her and she hasn't been able to come to me.

But Mrs. Clemens is making nice progress, and can stand alone a moment

or two at a time.

Now I'll post this.

MARK

1086

The Letters Of Mark Twain, Complete