Read "The Tragedy of Pudd'Nhead Wilson" by Mark Twain online for free on Textopian. Full text with search, annotations, highlights, and AI-powered reading aids.
There are three infallible ways of pleasing an author, and the three form a rising scale of compliment: 1, to tell him you have read one of his books; 2, to tell him you have read all of his books; 3, to ask him to let you read the manuscript of his forthcoming book. No. 1 admits you to his respect; No. 2 admits you to his admiration; No. 3 carries you clear into his heart. -- Pudd'nhead Wilson's Calendar.
As to the Adjective: when in doubt, strike it out. -- Pudd'nhead Wilson's Calendar.