May 3 Tuesday – At the Villa Reale di Quarto, Isabel Lyon wrote for Sam to Baroness Elisabeth de Nolde in Florence. (They would meet on May 12; see entry.)
Mr. Clemens wishes me to write for him to say that for some time he has been trying to call upon you but he cannot seem to do so, and he sends you Mr. Duneka’s letter, that you may see what he says, and determine whether you will write him yourself or let the matter drop.
Mr. Clemens wishes me to say that Mr. Duneka’s reception of the matter is too cool to suit him; and Mr. Clemens cannot represent Mr. Duneka where he shows so little appreciation of the service that Mr. Clemens tried to do for him & his magazine. / With much respect [MTP].
Note: Sam met the Baroness on May 12 and described her to Gilder. Sam explained to Gilder that the Baroness was editing and annotating unpublished letters of Madame de Stael (1766-1817) and her married lover, Benjamin Constant (1767-1830). She sought a publisher. Duneka of Harper’s had been tepid in his response. Putnam published her volume in 1905.