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266 it, I will then try to incorporate any ideas you may have in the final version.

“I think the story very charming, the characters interesting. The part of the musician seems to me rather fantastic, but I suppose there are such men. The girl, Francesca, is delightful; the old fiddler, a fine study.

“You are to be congratulated on your work, and I trust I may be able to make as good a play as you have made a book.

“.”

Bambi chuckled as she read, and patted the part which praised her. Whatever else had happened, Jarvis’s dignity was still intact. He calmly told the author to keep her hands off her own book! She flew to the typewriter to answer him.

“Mr. Jarvis Jocelyn, care of Mr. Charles Frohman, Empire Theatre, New York.

“: Your letter in regard to the dramatization of my book, ‘Francesca,’ seems to demand immediate assurance that you will have free rein in the work you are to do. Mr. Frohman has told me something of you and of your work, and I shall be very happy if my story gives you your first opportunity to succeed as a playwright.

“I am glad you are pleased with my story. Did you know that it was my first one? Your comment on the character of the musician interested me, as it is a close portrait of a friend.