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Letter 29.
It never occurred to me to think that you had been anything but kind and helpful to me, and I am very sorry that you don't like my giving the book to Doubleday and Page.
It seems to me that I have done the right thing in so doing.
I gathered from your letter that you were doubtful about being able to place it, and I confess that I was amazed at Mr. Heinemann's refusal. All of this seemed to consider my book of slight value—and this is not my opinion at all. The same mail brought me an enthusiastic letter from my American publishers, and, in a way, they are responsible for the well-being of my novel. You are not in London, as I said before, and your letter certainly left me under the impression that it might be difficult to arrange matters. It seemed to me that I was merely taking a troublesome piece of business out of your hands. I do not regret what I have done, but I regret very much if it has offended you. You have been most kind about advising me, and I hope you understand that I appreciate this. The question of the amount charged has nothing whatever to do with my decision. I am quite willing to abide by my arrangements with Doubleday, Page, and Company, which will yield quite as much if not more, than fifteen per cent. Indeed, if you have been at any expense about the book that I can make good, I shall esteem it a favour if you will let me know of it.
Very sincerely yours,
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