
A postal card from Dr. Bucke yesterday tells me that you will write the preface for me to the volume of William's stories. I can't tell you how glad I am! It is of all things just what I would wish.
The stories were all but "The Carpenter" written before you knew him, when he was very young, but
some of them show great maturity in spiritual insight. "The Ghost" is my favorite,
& I have read it dozens of times,—& some parts of it even yet I never
can read without tears,—it is a noble & sweet lesson.
They are mostly Christmas stories.
"The Brazen Android" has never been in type, save a part of it which the publishers
had put into the printer's hands when William recalled it, & sent back the money
they had sent him, on it.
I tell you all this, as you may not remember. His friends have been urging me to
collect & have the stories made into a volume, with a sketch, or a little
biography, or something,—but I have been unable to see how or what to do,
till the idea to have
you write this for me came like an inspiration! I saw at once that it was just the
thing, & would give the book just what it needs. Your name & William's will
be associated in many ways, & this
loving word from you will be a comfort to me for all time. Any facts
or any thing that you
may want, ask for, I shall only be too happy to give.
The book will have a sale, I know, if you write the preface.
You will think & brood over it, & the right thought will come I
am sure. The stories with the new one, will be seven in number.
I hope you are feeling well this perfect June 1st day.
With love— Nelly O'Connor.

