Letter 18, 27th September 1938
Hinged on a purely fictitious story of our doings together – yours and mine – in
Mishmi land – all names altered and unrecognisable including yours ( =
“Drummond”: not even “Barclay”). Two critics who have seen the partly completed
work tell me it is likely to be a marked success: I am therefore more than
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ever anxious that you should “pass” it as containing nothing that you would object to.
Naturally, it shall not go to George Blackwood (who awaits it) or to anyone else, until
you have said it may go. If, however, you say “No”, it will mean my re-writing large
chunks of the book, in fact, remodelling the whole thing, with consequent months –
possibly a year – of hard work and delay. So I cannot over-express my hope that you
will say all is well.
Thanks so much about dining at the “Travellers” tomorrow, Tuesday 21st. I shall
look forward to it, and will be there at 8, as you suggest. But I quite foresee that in
the press of your engagements, my delay in accepting may have involved you in
filling up the day and the hour. If so, in other words if my coming is not convenient,
please ring me up at office (City 1321) between 10 and 12:30 tomorrow, Tuesday. If
you do not, I shall know that all is well.
Very relieved to hear that Mrs. Bailey is quite recovered.
- Yours ever
- Yours ever
- L. A. Bethell
- L. A. Bethell
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Letter 18, 27th September 1938
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(side note at the top left)
I had made a whole chapter of Chang-Lo, but,
after what you said, have reduced it to a page
and have avoided the name of the place.
107, Hillfield Court,
Belsize Avenue,
N. W. 3
7 . IX . 38
My dear Bailey,
Thanks for your letter.
It's perilously like butting-in in what you might rightly tell me is no concern of mine,
but I view with increasing anxiety your intention of acquiring, even hiring, a house.
Difficulties begin – not end – when you've succeeded in getting it. Experience tells
me that, nowadays, by far the best plan is to get into a good roomy flat. By doing so,
you shelve the worry of structural maintenance, repairs, rates, taxes, insurance,
