Explore "The Letters of Ambrose Bierce" by Ambrose Bierce on Textopian. Read with annotations and highlights.
DEAR GEORGE,
I wrote you yesterday. Since then I have been rereading your letter. I wish you would not say so much about what I have done for you, and how much it was worth to you, and all that. I should be sorry to think that I did not do a little for you -- I tried to. But, my boy, you should know that I don't keep that kind of service "on sale". Moreover, I'm amply repaid by what "you" have done for "me" -- I mean with your pen. Do you suppose "I" do not value such things? Does it seem reasonable to think me unpleasured by those magnificent dedicatory verses in your book? Is it nothing to me to be called "Master" by such as you? Is my nature so cold that I have no pride in such a pupil? There is no obligation in the matter -- certainly none that can be suffered to satisfy itself out of your pocket.