262 - PROUST (Marcel), 1871–1922.

PROUST (Marcel), 1871–1922. Autograph letter signed “Marcel,” undated, 1 p., oblong in-12, on paper with a mourning border, addressed to his “little Alb.” (perhaps Albert Le Cuziat or Albert Nahmias?). A very affectionate letter to a close friend, revealing the almost anxious dependence Proust could feel toward those whose presence had become familiar to him. He showers his correspondent with expressions of affection: “you are the angel of angels, always,” and begs him to come join him before 11:30. With that very Proustian way of transforming a daily habit into an emotional dependence, he confesses to having developed “the foolish habit of feeling like a lost soul when you’re not there and not knowing what to do.” He knows he’ll have to break this habit, he adds wistfully, “but as late as possible.” Proust also hopes that “my messenger from last night” will return, whose presence “will please everyone,” and even considers sending a car to bring him back sooner. These few lines, seemingly all domestic in nature, thus offer a lovely glimpse into Proust’s nocturnal social life and his need to keep around him, late into the evening, the small circle of familiar faces whose absence he dreaded.