Marcel PROUST obsessed with Georges de Lauris. 1905.

Marcel Proust (1871.1922)

Autographed letter signed to Georges de Lauris.

Four pages in-12° on mourning paper.

Slnd [Friday, August 18 or 25, 1905?]

Kolb, Volume V, pages 336-337.

« I think about you all the time

 __________________________________________________________

"My dear friend, I am very saddened to learn that you have been ill . My affection for you (even stronger when I receive kind letters from you, like the one the day before yesterday) and my ability to imagine physical pain make me very unhappy to think of your sore throat, your fever, your discouragement, your disorientation, and your diet. Since you wrote to me, believe me, there hasn't been an hour of your sad week that I haven't imagined and suffered. You might say that it would have been kinder to write to you sooner. Here's why I haven't. For some time now, I have been much more unwell, and after each outing, I am bedridden for several days. The last time, two weeks ago, I went to the countryside and was bedridden with a fever and bronchitis for eight days (this was before your sore throat, or at least before you told me about it)."

I received your letter Wednesday morning, I believe. I had long promised to have dinner at the Clermont Tonnerres' that evening , and knowing that afterwards, even with the best of intentions, I wouldn't be able to leave the house for several days, I was very much hoping to be able to slip away for a moment after dinner to say goodnight while the men went to the smoking room. Unfortunately, everyone stayed together because there was hardly anyone there, and it was impossible, especially since it was like our previous invitations, Fould, with all the previous refusals, etc. By the time I regain my balance and can resume my flight, you will be well again. And yet, I would have very much liked to visit you, and even more so on Washington Street where I could finally have been introduced to your family. It was a good idea of ​​yours to stay there. I don't doubt Pierre's care, but I still think your mother's must be gentler! Let me know if you need anything, if you don't require any books or syrup. I think of you all the time. Marcel.