They went to New York nextmorning, and called at the Grant home during the afternoon. I suppose that indicates earlier advancement in compassion. CLXV LETTERS, VISITS, AND VISITORSThere were many pleasanter things, to be sure. As a rule, Howells does notenjoy speaking.
Two such letters follow--both written in England just at the time of hisreturn. On July 5th, in a fog, the Minnetonkacollided with the bark Sterling, and narrowly escaped sinking her. She went about more than her strength warranted, seeing and hearing andenjoying all that was going on. irit of unity, and ancient friendship, andmellowness which usually come only of small membership and longestablishment.