Volume I Part 32 (1/2)
LAFCADIO
Iyou about Hindola and Kabit; they represent poetical measures, or styles of chant, not instruments See how my memory failed me
TO ELIZABETH BISLAND
NEW ORLEANS, 1887
DEAR MISS BISLAND,--More than teeks before receiving your most welcome letter, I wrote to Messrs Roberts Bros of Boston to send you, as soon as published, a copy of ”Chinese Ghosts,” which will appear in a feeeks It opens with the story of the Bell--the legend of the Great Bell of Pekin, or Pe-King;--and you will also find in it the ”Legend of the Tea-Plant:” both in better form than that which you first saw
If you watch the _Harper's Bazar_, you will find in it a little pre-Islamic story--”Rabyah's Last Ride,”--which I expect will please you
I aations to you that I can't atterateful to you for the pleasure of knowing sos you have written about me and said about me, I can only hope to thank you for _as I should like_, when I am better able to prove what I feel
As for your criticism of my queer ways, I can only say in explanation that I suspected a slightly sarcastic tendency where I was no doubt inary fire
Anyhow, let me assure you no one has ever had a sincerer belief in, or a higher opinion of your abilities, or a profounder recognition of many uncommon qualities discerned in you,--than myself I trust you will soon receive the visit of the Ghosts: there are only six of theratefully, LAFCADIO HEARN
TO ELIZABETH BISLAND
NEW ORLEANS, April 7 and 14, 1887
DEAR MISS BISLAND,--Your delightful letter ought, I i literary brothers and sisters a little delay can always be coiven, even without explanation
The explanation, however, enerous a sy to find the Orient at home,--to apply the samethemes The second attempt, in form of a novelette, is nearly ready The subject of the whole is one which you love as much as I,--Louisiana Gulf-life
Yes, indeed, I renathic profile, and his Yakshasa smile I remember him especially, perhaps, because I first learned in his presence that your eyes were grey, instead of black I sent the Baboo to Krehbiel with a letter last suainst the ways of the Phansigars Really the Baboo was an uncanny fellow; and the e from the British Civil Service impressed me as suspicious
I think you are really lucky to be able to see and hear a Brahht hand _Athts of Him with the unutterable naest all the rest,--light, warhts in which fountain-jets of song do bubble up from the rich flood of flower-odours Perhaps I shall be able to see the Brahmin;--I hope to be in New York early in May I do not knohether I shall behold _you_;--you will be there, as here, a blossoerous to approach by reason of the unspeakable multitude of bees!
I have alondered at your pluck in going boldly into the mouth of that most merciless of all monsters--a Metropolis of the first dimension,--and at your success in the face of very serious difficulties of the competitive sort Let me hope you will feel always confident, as I do, that you are going to do more You have one very re an impression, that res--for example, your few lines about the composite photos Do you still write verse? A little volu I hope to see one of these days
The only thing I used to be afraid of regarding you was that youAnd yet, there is so very unique in your literary temperament;--you are able to reach an effect at once and directly which others would obtain only by long effort If you like anything I have done, it is because I have taken horrible pains with it Eight ht es are done; and the first was only 75 The attes One is, that the purpose, as well as the thought, ht ins to develop--and always in a different way from that at first intended Also I found that the i down _i them at leisure, is simply enoret a pretty surprise
I have one thing et allwith ”First Principles” Slow reading, but invaluable; systee and plans and ideas I've raphs--all of which are nuy,” and have digested one of the ”Sociology” The ”Psychology” I will touch last, though it is his htiest work Four years' study, at least, forBut ”First Principles” contain the digest of all;--the other volumes are ested the e Also the style is worth the labour,--puissant, compact, and melodious
Believe me alith many thanks for kind letter,
Your friend and literary brother, LAFCADIO HEARN
Twice co docuot to tell you C D Warner is here--stops at No 13 Ra the papers, dust, bad pictures, and general desolation; and went away, leaving his card upon the valise (long-exteain
TO GEORGE M GOULD
NEW ORLEANS, April, 1887
DEAR SIR,--However pleasant enerous letter, I doubt whether you could fully comprehend the value of it to e an author or an artist needs sothat is more difficult to obtain