, whose edges will be blunted,
and think, dreamily and with a mind at ease, over many hours scattered
here and there, which made up for the days of unprofitable longing.

Many surprising things have happened since I last wrote. In spite of
what Frances told me, David Cole seems to have changed. In my own
purview I can distinguish no alteration in my personality, but it
appears to be rather evident to some of my acquaintances.

Jamieson, some weeks ago, met me on Broadway. His wide and hearty palm
failed to smite me as usual on the back. He rushed across the street
with hand extended and greeted me as a long lost friend, instead of a
pleasant business acquaintance. His memory, the excellence of which I
have heard him boast of, appeared to have suffered a partial lapse.

"Why! Mr. Cole!" he exclaimed. "Ever so happy to see you! I always told
you I had every reason to believe that some day you would make a
killing. It is great! Have you seen the _Nation_, and the _Times_, and
the _Springfield Republican_ and the _Boston Observer_? Of course you
have! They're giving columns to the 'Land o' Love.' The biggest shop on
the Avenue keeps its show-windows filled with it. The first printing
melted like a snowflake on a hot stove. Five more of them already, and
another on the way. How are you getting on with the new manuscript?"

In his enthusiasm he appeared to remember nothing of his former rather
dark views as to the prospects of my book. He was now exuberant,
enthusiastic, and quite impressed by his infallibility. I informed him
that the new book was coming on fairly well and expressed my delight at
the popular demand for the novel so kindly spoken of by the critics. He
insisted on my taking lunch with him, deplored my inability to accept
his invitation and made me promise to dine with him very soon. He was
anxious that I should meet Mrs. Jamieson and the children, and carefully
saw to my safety as far as the Subway station.

Needless to say that this sudden stroke of good fortune, after first
leaving me somewhat dazed, has given me a great deal of happiness. It
was only a couple of days after I had been first informed of the way the
public was clamoring for the book that I invaded my neighbor's room,
stormily.

"Frances," I announced to her, "I have just been to see Professor
Richetti. I had an introduction to him from Jamieson, who knows
everybody. He received me very charmingly, quite in the manner of the
_grand seigne