Camy, I don't think "sitting quietly" was Twain's idea of a good time. I think commanding the rapt attention of everyone within earshot and keeping it until it was time to go to bed (and then some) was his idea of a good time. You'd just have to supply the bad cigars. Pete ----- Original Message ---- From: Carmela Valente <[log in to unmask]> To: [log in to unmask] Sent: Monday, March 24, 2008 10:49:57 AM Subject: Twain at my house Dear Good Folks: I often think that if Mark Twain were a guest at my home, even though I loved his humor, I would have told him to be himself and not feel that he had to be "on display" but if he needed to sit quietly, just do so. Also, I would inform him that if there was a situation in his life that warranted a good cry, to go ahead and do that also. In his correspondences, was there anyone who echoed my sentiments? Camy