123. 1929:
Toronto, Ont.    February 18, 1929

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My dear A.L.P.,

I have just withdrawn my offer of "Adolescence" for publication next fall. My relationship to Macmillan's is strained. They are trying to tie me up hand and foot. Carrier is making a brilliant offer; but I am holding back.

But I am visiting for the following reason. I had dinner with W.J. Alexander yesterday. And he said something which makes me feel afraid & unsettled. But you will feel that it confirms something you have asserted. He was speaking of Galsworthy, giving him what he considers his due, and then almost annihilated him by saying what, underneath, I had felt, that there is much cleverness, no real greatness. Then, in the presence of Davies & Family, he veered on me and, like old-testament prophet, said, that to find anything as fundamental as "Adolescence", he had to go back to the great Shakesperian tragedies. "You don't know what you've got here," he said. I felt scared...

I have been negotiating a bread-and-butter job as a janitor or taxi-driver, you know. I'm more than tired of this lecturing business. How are you? How is Mrs. P? How Anne?

As always,
F.P.G.