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19, Rue de Sevres Ville d'Avray Seine et Oise

August 11, 1923

My dearest Irene: I have wanted to write you ever since I first arrived in France, but this has been a hectic summer. You probably know that this city of ? found and asked me to have a portrait painted for them - your own idea, you rue! I was terribly puzzled about choosing a painter, and I at last decided on Leon? Bakst, who did certain costumes and settings for the Russian Ballet, you know. He happened to be in Paris just now, and he was the most interesting man in sight. He seldom does portraits, but some french friends of his like my books and told him about them. And he said he'd like to paint me. It's a long story, how I came to meet him, and someday I'll tell you all about it. I will certainly be at home for Christmas this year, and I hope to go out to Red? Farm? the first week