DEDICATION.
ix
Do Not were suggested by the fate of a poor fellow living in a place in the south of France in which I happened to be stopping when I began the book. His misfortunes were much those of my central character, but he drank himself to death, it was said deliberately, after he had taken his wife back. He came from Philadelphia.
So, in remembrance of our joint labours and conspiracies, and in token of my admiration for your beautiful achievements in another art,
I subscribe myself, my dear Bird,
Your humble, obedient and obliged
F.M.F.
Paris, 31 October, '24—
Guermantes, 25 May, '25.
