I was asked to lecture in many places near New York, always in delightful homes.

Had a class of married ladies at the home of Dr.J.G.Holland, where I gave an idea of the newest books.
Doctor Holland gave me a department, "Bric-a-brac," in his magazine--_Scribner's Magazine_; and I was honoured by a request from the editors of the _Galaxy_ to take the "Club Room" from which Mark Twain had just resigned.

Meeting him soon after at a dinner, he said with his characteristic drawl: "Awful solemn, ain't it, having to be funny every month; worse than a funeral." I started a class in my own apartment to save time for ladies who wanted to know about the most interesting books as they were published, but whose constant engagements made it impossible to read them entirely for themselves.

I suggested to the best publishers to send me copies of their attractive publications which I would read, condense, and then talk them over with these friends.

All were glad to aid me.