PROUST Marcel [Paris, 1871 - id., 1922], French writer. Autograph letter, signed "Marcel Proust". 4 pages in-8°. "Dear friend, from the fact that you have never answered me, I am not going to conclude, especially in wartime, that you have not received my letter. But it is also possible that I had an inaccurate address. So I summarize my 2 letters in these q.q. words and I simply address them to you at rue Verneuil where I think that they will know better to forward them to you. So I was just telling you that since the beginning of the war - and even before - because I have in my cruel "before war" I lived in an anguish interspersed with pain. My dearest friends, [] have been killed. But I have not stopped thinking of you with tender affection. [But I would like a word from you telling me how you are, how all your loved ones are, how your dear parents are bearing this anxiety. []. My brother has been doing things for eleven months that have earned him a mention in the army order of the day, and a decoration, but which are unfortunately very dangerous. At present he is safe and sound, as is Reynaldo (who is in the Argonne). These are my only two consolations. I'll write you when I can. Tenderly yours Marcel Proust. 102 Bd Haussmann."