Do not let it be thought, however, that my younger partners were forgotten, or that they have not played a very important part in sustaining me in the effort of reconciling myself to the new conditions.  Far otherwise!  The most soothing influence of all was their prompt organization of the Carnegie Veteran Association, to expire only when the last member dies.  Our yearly dinner together, in our own home in New York, is a source of the greatest pleasure,—­so great that it lasts from one year to the other.  Some of the Veterans travel far to be present, and what occurs between us constitutes one of the dearest joys of my life.  I carry with me the affection of “my boys.”  I am certain I do.  There is no possible mistake about that because my heart goes out to them.  This I number among my many blessings and in many a brooding hour this fact comes to me, and I say to myself:  “Rather this, minus fortune, than multi-millionairedom without it—­yes, a thousand times, yes.”

Many friends, great and good men and women, Mrs. Carnegie and I are favored to know, but not one whit shall these ever change our joint love for the “boys.”  For to my infinite delight her heart goes out to them as does mine.  She it was who christened our new New York home with the first Veteran dinner.  “The partners first” was her word.  It was no mere idle form when they elected Mrs. Carnegie the first honorary member, and our daughter the second.  Their place in our hearts is secure.  Although I was the senior, still we were “boys together.”  Perfect trust and common aims, not for self only, but for each other, and deep affection, moulded us into a brotherhood.  We were friends first and partners afterwards.  Forty-three out of forty-five partners are thus bound together for life.

Another yearly event that brings forth many choice spirits is our Literary Dinner, at home, our dear friend Mr. Richard Watson Gilder, editor of the “Century,” being the manager.[62] His devices and quotations from the writings of the guest of the year, placed upon the cards of the guests, are so appropriate, as to cause much hilarity.  Then the speeches of the novitiates give zest to the occasion.  John Morley was the guest of honor when with us in 1895 and a quotation from his works was upon the card at each plate.

[Footnote 62:  “Yesterday we had a busy day in Toronto.  The grand event was a dinner at six o’clock where we all spoke, A.C. making a remarkable address....  I can’t tell you how I am enjoying this.  Not only seeing new places, but the talks with our own party.  It is, indeed, a liberal education.  A.C. is truly a ‘great’ man; that is, a man of enormous faculty and a great imagination.  I don’t remember any friend who has such a range of poetical quotation, unless it is Stedman. (Not so much range as numerous quotations from Shakespeare, Burns, Byron, etc.) His views are truly large and prophetic.  And, unless I am mistaken, he has a genuine ethical character.  He is not perfect, but he is most interesting and remarkable; a true democrat; his benevolent actions having a root in principle and character.  He is not accidentally the intimate friend of such high natures as Arnold and Morley.” (Letters of Richard Watson Gilder, edited by his daughter Rosamond Gilder, p. 374.  New York, 1916.)]