“In reply to your very kind letter from Paris--having just started for a little holiday trip to Spain, after a rather fatiguing spell of work in politics and literature. It delights me to hear that you and Mrs. Pond and the little one are all well. I note that you have been having a good time with Mark Twain, for whose misfortunes we have all--on this side--felt most deeply. I should think you could easily get Du Maurier, unless ‘Trilby’ has made him too rich. As for me, dear Major, it would be glorious to serve under your victorious flag again, but I must not encourage myself or you to expect that. However, I shall be back in England before Christmas and will write to you again. I thank you with all my heart for your friendly thoughts of me. Be sure they are cordially returned, and ever believe me, “Sincerely and affectionately yours, “EDWIN ARNOLD.” * * * * * Again he declines my request for another tour, and in doing so gives a glimpse of his own busy hours: * * * * * “225 CROMWELL MANSIONS, KENSINGTON, S.W., “April 30, 1896. “MY DEAR MAJOR: “I have just returned from a month’s holiday in the Canary Islands. Hence the sad delay in replying to your kind and welcome letter of (alas!!) the 20th of March. It delighted me by its news that Mrs. Pond, and the ‘laddie,’ and yourself, were all well. So am I, but tremendously busy with politics, and also with preparations for a journey to Russia, whither I go to see the Tsar crowned. “I am sorry to say that I don’t think Mr. Ingersoll would ‘catch on’ over here. I know and admire his great abilities and eloquence, but our public is religious, orthodox, and conservative--so far as the ‘paying’ part of it goes. Your own lectures would be far more attractive. “For my humble self, I wish I could see my way to once more run round with you. At present I dream of being in India all next winter about some temple business and have declined some very honorable presidentships and appointments with that view. All the same, most heartily do I thank you for your kind proof of friendly opinion and confidence. “Love to your home circle. “Sincerely your very attached friend, “EDWIN ARNOLD.” * * * * * From the office of the _Daily Telegraph_, under date of August 4, 1896, this letter of introduction came to me: * * * * * “MY DEAR MAJOR POND: “The bearer is our good and trusted colleague, Mr. Ellerthorpe, who goes to America to observe the social, political, commercial, and intellectual life of your great Republic, and to send letters to the _Daily Telegraph_ upon these topics. Be so good as to receive and, if you can, to help him with useful introductions. He is a most worthy gentleman and I know you will do what you can for him for ‘Auld Lang Syne.’ “Yours affectionately, “EDWIN ARNOLD.” * * * * *