
I was shown the new type so kindly given by you to Miss Grace Hunter a day or two ago, and I think it, by far, the finest I
have seen of you in any form. I am so pleased that I write immediately to beg of you
to reserve one for me, if it so happen you have another to spare. I leave the city
to day for 2 or 3 months (Marlton N.J. Your friend Mr. Stafford is at the station
there) as I am in very delicate health, but will call for it, if you will allow me, on my
return in the fall, provided of course that you are disposed to favor me so highly.
I have seen Mr. Hunter two or three times daily for months—when both in the
city—and I spent last evening with him and his daughter. He read "Eidolons"; Mr. H— several times. I am
not prepared to say that I have arrived at its best significance as yet and intend
giving full study. Other poems were also read and I think Mr. H is fully impressed
he shall like them more and more as he allows a better and more familiar
acquaintance. For myself, I have held for years that you are the greatest "master of
words" in the language, and although the source is humble you will appreciate from
the fact that the prophet is so rarely duly appraised in his own country, and that
in local circles my opinion as a wide reader and a student is not without its own
little influence.
I have been begging Mr. Hunter to bring me to call with him—fearing otherwise
I should infringe upon your time—but he is very selfish and comes by himself.
I am sure he thinks you will get all the compliments and it is best for himself to
leave me at home. Yet, oh yes, he is very very good and
has my interests, literary and otherwise, quite at heart, so it is not so very hard to forgive
him, only—well, I should have liked very much to have come, and trust you will commission
me the pleasure sometime after the Canadian trip which I understand it is
now your intention to take.
Wishing you every benefit form the occasion, and a safe and hearty return. I am
Very Truly Yours Elizabeth J. Sharpe.P.S. I have been collecting every little item pertaining to you for the past 2 or three years that I find afloat; shall continue for the next ten if I live. I am now 28. I trust my ability may equal the time & material before me to compile judiciously and in worthiness the subject, as it is my desire to do sl [illegible].