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[[MS 2750/93/28]]
Hunny Hill
Brighstone
Isle of Wight
8-6-[19]23
Dear Leonard
Of course the Society of Authors raises its usual storms over this agreement. All I really mind is Clause IX. I want 'one year' to be 'three'. Surely this is fair: otherwise he will not take the trouble to sell at the normal rate.
Then, if you can, get Clause VI deleted, from the brackets '(which limit - - ' to the end 'hereto'. Its the 'unavoidable delay' clause that wrecked me over the Alexandra book, also if he fails to publish, the agreement shouldn't 'terminate' - he is has broken it and is liable accordingly.
Clause I debars your edition from entering Canada, I think: but this is not important, perhaps.
And you might point out that though I pass
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Clause VII which assigns him serial [1 word illeg.] rights and a 50% profit. I only do so because the book is not a valuable project[?] and I don't want to raise more than the minimum ot of objections.
I am delighted P. & P. is selling. A.C. Benson writes in ecstasies. I had an idea it was a front[?], perhaps because I have seen only 2 reviews. Friends have got it from the Times, but not from Mudies so far.
Shall sleep up in town for the [1 word illeg.] I think. Should like to [1 word illeg.] and stop with you after I get back from here forever - i e after end of month.
With love. Hope you're both well. Do you know of a sensible occultist? I have had a little trouble with my eyes. They have always been good so far, so I am anxious to avoid the cost of a portentous[?] expert. Send me an address if you recommend one.
EMF [signature]