The Clemenses settled in Berlin for the winter, at 7 Kornerstrasse, and later at the Hotel Royal.  There had been no permanent improvement in Mark Twain’s arm and he found writing difficult.  Some of the letters promised to Laffan and McClure were still unfinished.

Young Hall, his publishing manager in America, was working hard to keep the business afloat, and being full of the optimism of his years did not fail to make as good a showing as he could.  We may believe his letters were very welcome to Clemens and his wife, who found little enough in the general prospect to comfort them.

To Mr. Hall, in New York: 

Berlin, Nov. 27, ’91.  Dear Mr. Hall,—­That kind of a statement is valuable.  It came this morning.  This is the first time since the business began that I have had a report that furnished the kind of information I wanted, and was really enlightening and satisfactory.  Keep it up.  Don’t let it fall into desuetude.

Everything looks so fine and handsome with the business, now, that I feel a great let-up from depression.  The rewards of your long and patient industry are on their way, and their arrival safe in port, presently, seems assured.

By George, I shall be glad when the ship comes in!

My arm is so much better that I was able to make a speech last night to 250 Americans.  But when they threw my portrait on the screen it was a sorrowful reminder, for it was from a negative of 15 years ago, and hadn’t a gray hair in it.  And now that my arm is better, I have stolen a couple of days and finished up a couple of McClure letters that have been lying a long time.

I shall mail one of them to you next Tuesday—­registered.  Lookout for it.

I shall register and mail the other one (concerning the “Jungfrau”) next Friday look out for it also, and drop me a line to let me know they have arrived.

I shall write the 6th and last letter by and by when I have studied Berlin sufficiently.

Yours in a most cheerful frame of mind, and with my and all the family’s
Thanksgiving greetings and best wishes,
                                        S. L. Clemens.

       Postscript by Mrs. Clemens written on Mr. Clemens’s letter: 

Dear Mr. Hall,—­This is my birthday and your letter this morning was a happy addition to the little gifts on the breakfast table.  I thought of going out and spending money for something unnecessary after it came, but concluded perhaps I better wait a little longer. 
                                   Sincerely yours
                                             O. L. Clemens.