November 8 Tuesday – In Florence Sam wrote to Miss Page, thanking her for letting him “see those pleasant words.” Miss Page and those mentioned were evidently residents of Florence.
To me, compliments are always welcome; they are welcome to all men, they are welcome to all women; & if there has ever been a god who was indifferent to them, his name has escaped me. Mortals fish for them when they are withheld, & the gods come out frankly & ask for them. You seem to think that your appetite for compliments is an infirmity. Ah, no — it is the divine spark in you.
I hope you & Mrs. Page & the Marchesa Spinola will bring Mr. Strange out some afternoon & take a cup of tea with us [MTP]. Note: Sam also sent “kindest regards” to Captain Page. (Editorial emphasis.)
