Howard Pyle, a chronicle by Charles D. Abbott, with an introduction by N. C. Wyeth and many illustrations from Howard Pyle's works.

"FRUITFUL ASSOCIATIONS
day I went down and told Mr. Parsons that I should like
to accept, but much disliked the literary part of it. He
salid he was glad to hear this, as Mr. Alden thought that
a literary man and an artist should go together, and that
I shoul& take either the one or the other. Of course, I
chose the artistic part and Mr. Parsons agreed with me.
He said the matter was not entirely settled yet, but they
thought that undoubtedly the article should be put under
way. Somehow or other I don't feel very much enthusiasm
about it and indeed can hardly realize it, it seems so dim
and improbable. I shall not be disappointed if it fall
through, as it may, and I rather believe it will; neither
shall I feel very much elated if it is passed. In short,
I view the possibility of it with an indifference that surprises
myself....
"Shirlaw and I went the other night to see the last presentation of 'The School for Scandal' at Wallack's. It
was 'stunning,' as Chase says....
"Abbey starts for England on Saturday. So finishes my
budget and with it my letter. Adieu-Love to all.
"(HOWARD."
The Texas trip alluded to in this letter did not materialize.
Perhaps it was j ust as well that it didn't, for Texas could
have done little for Howard Pyle-his work was not of the
sort that requires a special knowledge of the western background-and there is no denying the fact that his continual
association in New York with men of Chase's and Shirlaw's
stamp, which was thus left uninterrupted, had a most happy
influence on his development.
The next and last letter of the group to be quoted ex[ 63 1