149.
1930:
Cumming's Bridge, Ont. July 14,
1930
Hullo, old man.
Had your letter today, and it makes me feel
somewhat better. No need to say that I mean the letter
from Grasmere ; it's the letter I mean. Do you see that this
is a new typewriter I'm using? I was tired of the old one;
so I bought it that the ribbon was red. I'm so prosperous,
you see. Nearly as prosperous as you are, with your Austin
7.
I'd like to see a Ms. of yours which you wouldn't feel ashamed,
I should or I'll tell the world! I don't know whether I'm
using these beautiful expressions quite correctly. But it
doesn't matter. I'm leaving word with my stenographer to
forward you the catalogue when it comes off the press, so
you can read the beeyutiful blurb I've written on your book;
we are selling copies of it right now. I know you'll consider
this cruel; but it doesn't matter, either. Nothing matters
very much, you know: except this one thing that that thing
needs, no, NEEDS TO BE SAID.
I've a manuscript or two for you to report on, one of poetry.
Does that cheer your heart? I've pressed Moffit into reading
one for me; he reported favorably on it; but half an hour
ago the author called on me; and I began to doubt whether
Moffit could be right.
I'm going west on Thursday, T. is going to stay with the
Moffits at Alymer; that that's that.
The other day I suddenly thought of a new trick to play
on you; perhaps when you come in September, if you all come
(I know that's cruel, too; forgive me) I'll have my gall
bladder out to celebrate. Not that there's anything the matter
with it; at least I don't think so; but I'm too prosperous,
you see. One after the other, doctor bills are coming in,
and I pay them by return mail; I just wrote a cheque which
leaves money in the bank; and tomorrow my salary is due.
On my western trip I go via the great lakes; just made my
reservations today and paid cash for them.
Yes, we are both well; T. especially, under the circumstances.
I - well, I smoke too much, that's all. But this publishing
isn't a bed of roses, you know; a person gets nervous over
authors who don't send their manuscript; and then he smokes
one cigarette after the other; it isn't good for him.
But we are out in the open country, sleep in a screen house,
etc., eat and drink milk, etc; and that is good for him as
well as for her, so let him smoke.
Bye-bye,
I'll write again from Winnipeg .
Hope you have as good a time as I should have were I in
your place.
The three of you.
Just got your cable re Bridges. Hope it
means the rest is on the way.
