Bethel, Mes, Jan 17, 1914. 
Mr. William Brewster, 
Cambridge, Mass. 
Dear Billy B:- 
Many thanks for yours of the llth inst. No, I have not become mad nor 
grouchy because you didn't write, because I didn't think you were, and if you 
were I knew you would get over it, and if I were, I knew that you believed I'd 
get over it, -- where were we anyway ¥ So let’s kiss and make up. 
Now then, here we are with fifteen inches of snow, any amount of tobogganing 
down at the Inn, and skating to boot, and very few people here to enjoy it all. 
I am plugging away for all I am worth upon my opus magnum, or magnum opus, 
whatever is the proper thing to call it. I don't quite kmow what a magnum opus 
is myself, but I have heard of a magnum of champagne, which certain people who do 
not belong to our set are said to consume. 
What will you give me if I don't put you into my book? I am desirous of 
raising money some way or other, and dont see why a little blackmail between 
friends isn’t allowable. 
It pleases me machly that Mrs. Brewster seems so well and happy, and I am 
glad she is planning to go abroad, since it will do her good. I myself am cogi- 
tating some about the same thing. I haven't had a vacation proper for about three 
years, and must keep Mrs. Gehring and myself as young and fresh as possible. It 
is true that I don't feel that I can afford it this year, but think I owe it to 
ourselves that we do this sane thing, else I should not think of it. 
I am writhing in the throes of the income tax problem. A simple solution 
at once suggests itself. It would be to deliberately cut down my income and thus 
flout Uncle Sam to his face, but upon second thought, maybe it would be "penny 
wise and pound foolish." 
There are plenty of birds this winter of the usual kinds and they are parti- 
