Details
PROUST, Marcel. Two autograph letters signed ('Marcel' and 'Marcel Proust') to Lucien Daudet, both n.p. [Paris], the first n.d. [30 or 31 January 1915], expressing his regret at news that Lucien has been ill, and saying that he himself has been unable to write to him because he was exhausted after a soirée; then Céleste was tired, then he was even more unwell. He supposes, with irony, that Lucien received his letter of a month ago sent to Tours, 'Au fond l'habitude: "J'ai bien reçu votre honorée du" est bien apaisante'. There is a multitude of things to say but as they do not conduct a 'correspondance' it is difficult to begin, 4 pages, 8vo; the second n.d. [2 or 3 February 1915], saying that he can write only a few words to express his regret that he was out when Lucien's letter came and returned too late to reply; he is enclosing the letter he wrote two days ago, one page, 8vo (blank integral leaf).
Proust writes that because of his health, his hours have become so late that it is impossible to send word to his friends when he is feeling well enough to receive. Kolb suggests that the earlier letter to which he refers was that written after 21 November 1914 (describing Agostinelli's death).
Lucien Daudet had been exempted from military service on account of his delicate constitution and placed on the reserve list. He held an administrative post with the Red Cross in Tours from the outbreak of war until October 1916, visiting Paris only at weekends. Kolb, XIV, 43 and 48; Cahiers, V (XVIII). (2)
Proust writes that because of his health, his hours have become so late that it is impossible to send word to his friends when he is feeling well enough to receive. Kolb suggests that the earlier letter to which he refers was that written after 21 November 1914 (describing Agostinelli's death).
Lucien Daudet had been exempted from military service on account of his delicate constitution and placed on the reserve list. He held an administrative post with the Red Cross in Tours from the outbreak of war until October 1916, visiting Paris only at weekends. Kolb, XIV, 43 and 48; Cahiers, V (XVIII). (2)