Letter upon receipt of a crystal ball


 * Dear Mr. Caspary,

As I was leaving the Hotel shortly after five o'clock, I received from "Frank Partridge & Sons, Ltd." a box that greatly excited my curiosity. I could not refrain from delaying my engagement to open it. I was amazed when I saw it contained the most wonderful crystal I have ever beheld, something that has been in my thoughts almost continuously since I saw it in November last, but which I have continued to regard as wholly beyond my reach. I had a look at it the day I had the pleasure of meeting you and Mr. Partridge, but told Mr. Lipscomb to put it away, and left determined not to seek to see it again.

Surprised as I was to see this perfect crystal ball in the box which I opened, I was even more amazed when on opening the envelope attached to it, I read the words "With Mr. A. H. Caspary's compliments".

Really you must forgive me, if I find it quite impossible to express to you what I feel about your thought and generosity. I have still to fathom the mystery, for it is as if this gift had fallen into my hands from the skies, and, indeed, from beyond the skies, some good angel has been inspiring your heart as well as your mind, and I must find out from you just who it is. I cannot begin to thank you, till I see you. Indeed I feel I cannot accept the gift itself till I see you, and learn from you, youself, that it is not a dream, rather than the fulfillment of a vision.

The moment I came in, I tried at once to reach you but you had left just ten minutes earlier. I shall watch for the first free moments that we each may have, to call upon you. I have felt, however, that I must not wait even for that to express something of my feelings to you. I shall, I fear, never be able to let you know all I feel. Till I do see you, however, please believe that I have never been more deeply touched by any expression of friendship than this one which I owe to your generous heart, and which carries with it, obligations, almost as, if not equally profound, to Mr. Partridge and Mr. Lipscombe.


 * Yours very sincerely,
 * W. L. Mackenzie King