THE BEST THING IN THE WORLD
to say. In one respect I have been anticipated by the very poet of peace and concord whom you and I patronized so complacently a while ago. So much is being said about him these days that I suppose his centennial bacillus has got into my blood too. Well, there was this difference at least! Emerson talked about friendship and thought he could define it; I talk about it and know I can't. Even while I was talking I was reminded that there were certain friends of mine who wouldn't feel especially jubilant if I were ever lucky enough to make a ten-strike. And yet they are bully, good fellows all the same, and I mean to keep and call them friends as long as they let me. There are flaws in all human relations. But that's no reason for not swearing by them. All we really know is that there is such a thing as real friendship. It's there. It's a great, fine thing. Some of us are lucky enough to have it. Others never can get it. You, I believe, are by way of knowing the real thing. It's a great possession. Hang on to it.
You are a rather crude young person.
323
