'If you don't know already it may interest you to know that in Anatole France's last book ["Sur la pierre blanche"] there are two allusions to you.' Hence follow eleven lines of clarification and discussion.
'I don't know whether I ought to mention my delight at your approval of "Abeille" [by Anatole France]. I put it in your hands with confidence and trust - but one never knows.[...] I must tell you in confidence that some time ago dear Jack [Galsworthy] sat upon me so heavily for my admiration of "Thais" that I promised to myself to walk very delicately in the way of recommending books for the future.'
'I am keeping the "Jeanne d'Arc" until you return to town, unless you want me to send it out west to you. Upon the whole I think it is disappointing. One asks oneself why on earth A[natole]F[rance] wanted to touch that subject at all, and if he had to touch why in that way precisely.'
'But "La le�on bien apprise" is really quite....And what is wrong with "Les Etrennes de Mlle. Doucine"? I don't like it most, but I think it most suitable owing to its humorous and sentimental characteristics. I recommend it strongly as perfectly fit for general reading and even seasonable [for the December issue of the "Review"]'
'Does the A[natole] F[rance] next book consist of the proofs you've let me see? And what on earth is one to write about it?'
