He came to New York, consulted Will Carleton, the poet, and found that while the letter was signed by William J.Bok, it was actually written by his brother who was with the Scribners.

So he sought Bok out there.
The publishing house had been advertising in the Philadelphia magazine, so that the visit of Mr.Curtis was not an occasion for surprise.

Mr.
Curtis told Bok he had read his literary letter in the _Philadelphia Times_, and suggested that perhaps he might write a similar department for _The Ladies' Home Journal_.

Bok saw no reason why he should not, and told Mr.Curtis so, and promised to send over a trial instalment.
The Philadelphia publisher then deftly went on, explained editorial conditions in his magazine, and, recognizing the ethics of the occasion by not offering Bok another position while he was already occupying one, asked him if he knew the man for the place.
"Are you talking at me or through me ?" asked Bok.
"Both," replied Mr.Curtis.
This was in April of 1889.
Bok promised Mr.Curtis he would look over the field, and meanwhile he sent over to Philadelphia the promised trial "literary gossip" instalment.

It pleased Mr.Curtis, who suggested a monthly department, to which Bok consented.