I enclose you a copy of a communication from the editor of "Family Fiction", with a newspaper clipping attached, from which you will see that I am not the only person to whom the idea of plagiarism has occurred in connection with Mr. Edwards's story in the Century. This editor asks me for my opinion in regard to it. My opinion is that it was a deliberate plagiarism. You did not tell me in your letter what you thought about it, but I gathered from reading between the lines that your opinion does not differ very much from mine; correct me if I am wrong. At the same time, for obvious reasons, I would not wish to write anything to this editor which would lead him to make any editorial utterance reflecting on the character of a Century contributor, if thereby I would run the remotest risk of offending or antagonizing the editor of the Century. Taking the worst view of this case, there is an implied compliment to me involved in the fact that my plot was considered worth plagiarizing.

If it is not trespassing too much upon your time and good nature, may I ask your advice as to whether I had better discourage this editor from further action in this matter, or tell him my opinion of it and let him take what course he likes? His paper has a wide circulation, and while comparatively obscure, the story of the mouse and the elephant might not be without application.

Please let me know whether you have sent "Rena Walden" to the Century; also whether you received the paper, etc., with regard to Southern schools. The enclosed clipping from the Cleveland Leader,—I presume it is an Ass'. Press despatchdispatch—has some bearing on the subject; and you have probably read of the action taken by the Virginia legislature in affecting injuriously the Virginia Collegiate and Normal Institute.