The Letters Of Mark Twain, Complete


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To W. D. Howells, in New York.  
VILLA DI QUARTO, FLORENCE,  
June 6, '94. [1904]  
DEAR HOWELLS,--Last night at 9.20 I entered Mrs. Clemens's room to say  
the usual goodnight--and she was dead--tho' no one knew it. She had been  
cheerfully talking, a moment before. She was sitting up in bed--she had  
not lain down for months--and Katie and the nurse were supporting her.  
They supposed she had fainted, and they were holding the oxygen pipe to  
her mouth, expecting to revive her. I bent over her and looked in her  
face, and I think I spoke--I was surprised and troubled that she did  
not notice me. Then we understood, and our hearts broke. How poor we are  
today!  
But how thankful I am that her persecutions are ended. I would not call  
her back if I could.  
Today, treasured in her worn old Testament, I found a dear and gentle  
letter from you, dated Far Rockaway, Sept. 13, 1896, about our poor  
Susy's death. I am tired and old; I wish I were with Livy.  
I send my love-and hers-to you all.  
S. L. C.  
1119  


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