to fit an improvised envelope about the size of a Mardi Gras souvenir, then being distributed about the city.  With the joyousness of a boy about to play a prank, he chased down-stairs at the noon hour when he knew Miss Jeffries was at lunch with Mr. Barrett in the cafe of the Grunewald.  Calling a waiter, he sent the huge envelope in to her table.  She glanced at it a moment and then gradually drew the package from its envelope, while Field and I stood watching behind the entrance.  It spread all over the table as she continued to unfold the enormous sheet, and its rustle attracted the attention of nearly every one in the room.  When it had spread itself all over Mr. Barrett, who meanwhile was laughing heartily, Miss Jeffries discovered the poem in Field’s hand, and, although blushing crimson, joined in the laughter, for she knew he was somewhere about enjoying her discomfort.”

By August of this same year he had his “Love Songs of Childhood” in shape for the publishers, and had once more taken up the project of acquiring a home.  What Field was doing, as well as thinking about, a little later is pretty accurately reflected in the following letter to Mr. Gray: 

DEAR MR. GRAY:  Ever since your return from the East I have been intending to write to you.  I have time and again reproached myself for my neglect to do so.  I have not been very well.  About the first of September I had one of my old dyspeptic attacks, and since then my stomach has troubled me more or less, reducing me in weight and making me despondent.  I think, however, I am now on the upgrade once more.  After you left here Julia was quite sick for a spell.  She was on the verge of nervous prostration.  I packed her off to Lynch’s for a month, and she came back very much improved, and now she weighs more than ever before.  The children are well.  Trotty attends a day school near by.  Pinny has gone back to his military school, and is doing very well.  I would like to send Daisy to the same school, for he is not doing well at public school; but my expenses have been so large the last year that I cannot incur any further expense.  The babies are doing finely.  The boy is as fat as butter, and handsome as ever.  Little Ruth cut her first tooth to-day.  I never loved a baby as I love her.  She is very well now; her flesh has become solid and she is gaining in weight.  She is playful and good-natured, sure prognostics of good health.  Roswell and Etta went East the 9th of September, and were gone fifteen days; they visited Amherst, Boston, New York, Greenfield, Brattleboro, and Newfane.  Roswell regretted not knowing your whereabouts, for he wanted to have you along for a sentimental journey in Vermont.  Etta is now with us.  She returns to Kansas City next Sunday night.  I am pained to hear of Dr. Johnson’s illness; pray, give him my love and tell him that he ought to be less frisky if he hopes to keep his limbs sound.  I am not surprised that you have got to go South.  And I am glad