ROMAINS, Jules (1885–1972), Autograph Letter Signed “Jules Romains” to Dr Maurice Courtois, n.p., n.d. 2 pp. 8vo.

A warm and reflective letter in which Romains expresses his regret at not having seen his correspondent before an imminent departure from Paris. He explains that he had hoped for news, and in particular wished to speak with Courtois about his forthcoming novel, a subject he refuses to address in “four lines” of a letter.

Romains notes that he is leaving Paris “the day after tomorrow” and will be away for some time, but expects to return in mid-February. He closes by expressing a sincere desire to resume their conversation upon his return, emphasising both his friendship and his interest in Courtois’s literary work.

"Mon cher ami,
J'espérais toujours vous voir, avoir de vos nouvelles. Je voulais causer avec vous de votre roman. Ma [?] épistolaire (que lieu des [?] excusent) attendait un signe de vous.
Et je m'aperçois que je vais quitter Paris pour [?] longtemps (je pars après-demain) sans que nous nous soyons rencontrés.
Je reviendrai vers la mi-Février.
Si vous êtes là, il faudra que nous parlions de maintes choses, et d'abord de votre livre. Je ne veux pas vous en écrire quatre lignes.
Votre ami
Jules Romains".