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196 Two letters were written Bambi that night concerning this meeting. Mr. Strong wrote:

“: I cannot possibly tell you how much of the fragrance of the garden, and of you, stays with me even in the heat and ugliness of New York. I am so grateful to you and the Professor for your hospitality and your friendship.

“I went to see your Jarvis to-night, as I promised to do, but he made it exceedingly plain to me that he desired neither my visit nor my acquaintance. I thought he looked very tired and a trifle hectic. No doubt the heat has worn on him. I don’t mean to alarm you. I am only searching for some excuse for my own comfort for his reception of me.

“I shall look for the next chapters with eagerness. None of your many readers knows my proprietary delight in that tale of yours.

“My cordial regards to your father, and to yourself my thanks and my best wishes. Faithfully, “.”

Jarvis was not so politic. He permitted himself some rancor.

“: I did not get your letter announcing Strong’s visit, and his approaching descent upon me, until this evening. He followed close upon its heels. I have no doubt you intended it kindly sending him here to look me up, but the truth is I am in no mood for callers, and I fear I made that rather plain to your friend. I may as well say, frankly, I