35. 1925:
Rapid City, Man. January 16, 1925
Dear Phelps,
I am considerably better, though I am still racked by a
vicious cough. But I'll get myself into shape by Feb. 9.
I am enclosing you copy of a first draft of what I might
say in my introductory talk. Mind reading it? Let me know
what you think. For all I know it may be utter "slush". I
have never spoken on literary things in public.
As for making a selection of what to read,
don't you think it might be best not to scatter the interest?
I thought of -- with bridging remarks or a synopsis - either
the Ellen chapter or the chapter called Bobby of The White
Range Line House. By making that introductory talk one
of only 15 minutes, I could get from 50 minutes to an hour
for reading. I could then give a solid piece of development.
That scene which I read at Christmas is, of course, rather
a powerful thing, I believe. But -- in Bobby - the murder
is, too, I believe. And I could lead up to it. I think I
could make that rather effective: Niels' decay -- And nothing
else -- I have tried it out: it takes very nearly an hour.
I also feel that it isn't quite fair to those who were there
at Christmas to give them the identical thing.
By the way, where is the meeting going to be? I have 2 or
3 friends in W'peg whom I'd like to notify.
Yours,
F.P.G.
