Item 18 - Typescript letter signed to Beaton, from Washington D.C.

Has read Beaton's last letter many times over and hopes he can fit in another one soon. Wants every detail on Lady Windermere and all other activities. Is "avid" for news. Went to New York this weekend. Finds it profitable even for one night and in spite of four hours each way. Wants to get to know New York, which is "a charming background for a love affair". Thinks a lot less of Wysten Auden since spending Saturday evening with the "Friend" to whom the poems are dedicated. He is "a Rimbaud without the genius" and lives in squalor. "...there is no virtue in culture which buys expensive record albums and books of poetry but lives in slum conditions, amid bed-bugs and stench". Lunched with Charlie yesterday, who is "efficiently, fatalistically organising his own bankruptcy". Is fond of him especially when he talks about making dresses. He loathes Elizabeth Arden "who has done him down". Discusses how the process of dress designing is like the process of writing a book. New York is lovely, a different city to London. Asks if Beaton could find a copy of his New York book. Was "intrigued and amused" by it before, but now wants to be helped by it.