Knowing Mark Twain, Howells wrote: "When you get tired of the

machine send it to me." Clemens naturally did get tired of the

machine; it was ruining his morals, he said. He presently offered

it to Howells, who by this time hesitated, but eventually yielded

and accepted it. If he was blasted by its influence the fact has

not been recorded.

One of the famous Atlantic dinners came along in December. "Don't

you dare to refuse that invitation," wrote Howells, "to meet

Emerson, Aldrich, and all those boys at the Parker House, at six

o'clock, Tuesday, December 15th. Come!"

Clemens had no desire to refuse; he sent word that he would come,

and followed it with a characteristic line.

****

To W. D. Howells, in Boston:

HARTFORD, Sunday.

MY DEAR HOWELLS,--I want you to ask Mrs. Howells to let you stay all

night at the Parker House and tell lies and have an improving time, and

332

The Letters Of Mark Twain, Complete