Once more I apologize, and this time I do it "stanning!"

Yrs. Truly

SAML. L. CLEMENS.

The "two simple lines," of course, were the train rails under the

bear's feet, and completed the striking cover design of the Overland

monthly.

The brief controversy over the "Three Aces" was the beginning of

along and happy friendship between Aldrich and Mark Twain. Howells,

Aldrich, Twichell, and Charles Dudley Warner--these were Mark

Twain's intimates, men that he loved, each for his own special charm

and worth.

Aldrich he considered the most brilliant of living men.

In his reply to Clemens's letter, Aldrich declared that he was glad

now that, for the sake of such a letter, he had accused him falsely,

and added:

Mem. Always abuse people.

"When you come to Boston, if you do not make your presence manifest

to me, I'll put in a!! in 'Every Saturday' to the effect that

250

The Letters Of Mark Twain, Complete