* * * * * “25th Jan., ’98, “16 BUCKINGHAM STREET. “MY DEAR MAJOR: “A peaceful, prosperous voyage! The old ship rolled a bit, but my colors were not lowered. We got in at two on Saturday--since when I have been overwhelmed with work which had accumulated here. Your album delights my father and family--not least your inscription at the end--which delights me too. I feel myself a very much travelled man, although you made light of my wanderings. I wish you well through yours in the West and look forward to yours here in the East. “I hope all does go well--and I think of you and drink to your health. “Your ever, “A. H. H.” * * * * * “17th May, ’98, “16 BUCKINGHAM STREET, STRAND. “MY DEAR MAJOR: “You have found out by now what a bad correspondent I am--for your cable from San Francisco came and was appreciated and yet not answered--but your letter reaches me to-day and I must congratulate you on your safe achievement of your big journey and your return home. Our little trip together sinks quite into insignificance, doesn’t it? I’m afraid you’d have found me a very lazy and trying companion for so long a jaunt. If you weren’t devoted to moving, I would wish you a good long rest at home now, but, since you’re the man you are, I’ll wish a good and speedy voyage _to England_, with Mrs. Pond and your boy this time. We have a good many of your folks here--among them Cable, who is being well treated, I think; he’s giving some public readings and I’m going to hear him in about a fortnight in one of them. Our thoughts have been much with you all in the war. I feel it even as I should an English war, and I’m sure the great--the vast--majority over here are of the same way of thinking. But I think _you’ve_ done enough fighting for your country and may fairly let the boys have a look in this time--or are you pining to be in Cuba with your scouts? I am living my usual quiet life, writing and reading proofs--and, I must add, dining out--when I talk quite learnedly about America on the strength of my journey with you. _The Critic_ printed my letter all right--in fact I was very well treated, smoothed down, and complimented, and called a real gentleman, and everything that was nice. So that’s all over and all is well. And, to prove I think so, I’ve been advising more than one eminent gentleman to go out and do a trip with you. “You must read ‘Rupert of Hentzau’ when it comes--we consider it rather a good yarn. “Give Mrs. Pond all my remembrances--just as cordial as you know how to make them. So, my dear Major, “Ever yours, “ANTHONY H. HAWKINS.” * * * * * “22d Sept., ’98, 16 BUCKINGHAM STREET, STRAND. “MY DEAR MAJOR: