February 1, 1917. 
Miss Adela Breton, 
Hotel Savoy, 
Niagara Falls, Canada. 
My dear Miss Breton: 
I must apologize for long delay in answering your 
good letter of January 6th. Jt was awfully nice of you 
to write me congratulations on the flattering celebration 
of my 70th birthday. I have been the recipient of so 
mich attention lately that if I were easily spoiled my 
head would certainly be turned. As it is, I am feeling 
very comfortable though far from satisfied with what 
I have done with the 70 years which I have frittered away. 
To Mr. Hodge I owe a great deal for it was he who 
with Morley and Spinedn conceived the idea of honoring 
me. It was he who did the vast work of getting together 
and preparing for printing the big volume. He told me 
of the proposed banquet a few days ahead and I got by 
accident a hint that there was to be a book but I did 
not have the least idea of what the book would be. However, 
I thought not to be entirely outdone so I carried along 
to the dinner about forty water color sketches with which 
I sprang a real surprise after thay had spriiug theirs. 
on me. It was to me a most gratifying affair and since 
