were to dramatize later. His head filled up with other projects,

such as publishing plans, reading-tours, and the like. The

type-setting machine does not appear in the letters of this period,

but it was an important factor, nevertheless. It was costing

several thousand dollars a month for construction and becoming

a heavy drain on Mark Twain's finances. It was necessary to

recuperate, and the anxiety for a profitable play, or some other

adventure that would bring a quick and generous return, grew out

of this need.

Clemens had established Charles L. Webster, his nephew by marriage,

in a New York office, as selling agent for the Mississippi book and

for his plays. He was also planning to let Webster publish the new

book, Huck Finn.

George W. Cable had proven his ability as a reader, and Clemens saw

possibilities in a reading combination, which was first planned to

include Aldrich, and Howells, and a private car.

But Aldrich and Howells did not warm to the idea, and the car was

eliminated from the plan. Cable came to visit Clemens in Hartford,

and was taken with the mumps, so that the reading-trip was

postponed.

The fortunes of the Sellers play were most uncertain and becoming

daily more doubtful. In February, Howells wrote: "If you have got

634

The Letters Of Mark Twain, Complete