NOTEBOOK

However, one thing seemed certain enough, anyway—
the degree constituted me a member of the governing
body and doubtless the head of it; so I proceeded upon
that.

March 9, 1889. No more experiments (on the machine).
Definite work alone left to do. Four months sure; that is,
July 10. No new devices or inventions.

It has a tragic sound today. Evidently he did
not know Paige yet.

March n. Made this proposition to Mrs. Richardson
today: That in lieu of the present contract, she dramatize
the Prince and Pauper for me; I to pay her $500 upon
delivery of the manuscript to me, June i or July i, be her
work good or bad. If the play succeeds, I to pay her an-
other $500 (this to be the first $500 received by me as
profits) after that, I to pay her $5 every time the piece
is played. She will answer Thursday.

In the matter of pensions England has never made any
distinctions between public service and private shame, ex-
cept to pay highest for the latter. Consider the Dukes of
Grafton and Richmond and the progeny of Nelson. Eng-
land pensions the rich whore with millions, the poor private
with a shilling a month, she was always shabby and a
humbug.

March 22, 1889. Mother said, to Livy, "What is the
name of the sister of------"

"Mrs. Corning?"

"Yes, Mrs. Erastus Corning."

I was present. Livy explained that this was genuine
mental telegraphy for no mention had been made of the
Comings. Last week four or five days ago—occurred some

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