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Wednesday --

Dear Sherwood: I have finished "Dark Laughter" and have lent my copy to Lailah Cooper. It is hard for me to write what I think without becoming conscious. I can only say that I glowed with pride. You've done something -- I want to say finer than anything that has gone before, because of course in much, it is different. But as a whole it is finer. It discloses the poet, as well as the prose artist -- with clear direction through innermost and undefined recesses.

That you knew the music of dark laughter I was certain -- but frankly -- and I may have said so to you -- I didn't think the Four Arts ball was in your line. I take it back whole heartedly. It is an interpretation that under your touch goes beyond -- a way beyond. I am still pondering the curious psychology in the revelation of Rose Frank. Another section that I shall re-read is that of the try-out of Aline by the artist's wife.

After reading the book I should have thought what you said about Joyce (and Dark Laughter) even if you