Hartford Feb. 27/84.
My Dear House—
Thanks for the financial matter—I make note of it.
Aside from Howells & Gilder, I am not aware of anybody who knows who wrote the Bread-Winners. It is usually attributed to Hay—& sometimes to Clarence King ◊ & one or two others. However, both Hay & King are very rich & very idle; whereas the author of the book in a recent communication says he is a working man, that his associates are mechanics, & that he makes his daily bread with the sweat of his hands. Now go on guessing—I haven’t any idea who wrote the book.
Geo. W. Cable has been sick-abed in our house for three weeks ‸(with the mumps.)‸; & has just gone away. He’s a bright good fellow,—but——
Why, man, he made 280 times more fuss of over his little pains than you did over your big ones. Lord, if I dared to laugh as I want to laugh——but Mrs. Clemens would kill me.
It is very sweet to see Koto’s face again. Mrs. C & the cubs will be delighted when I tote it down stairs. I’ve sent the other one to Miss Perkins, & mailed that letter to New York.
Howells has just arrived, so I must go down & receive him. Love to you both.
Yrs Ever
Mark
[letter docketed by House:] Clemens S. L. | March Feb. 27/84
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