TŌKYŌ, January, 1897.
DEAR HENDRICK,--"Sentimental Tommy" is marvellous. Gives me a very great
idea of Barrie. The question with me is whether such a _milieu_ and such
a suggested ancestry could produce such types as Grizel and Tommy. I am
not quite sure of it: I am still under the impression that blood _will_
tell, and that children of drunkards and whores are not apt to prove
angels--though there must be exceptions when the better inheritance
dominates. However, the book has a good meaning as well as a great
art, and the tendency is to recognitions of truths deeper than those
of "Philistia." You were awfully good to send it; but I feel rather
small--my last sending being so poor a sprat to your salmon.
Never mind. I'll send you my own book sometime this year--I _think_. It
ought to be in the printer's hands by the time you get this letter. It
will probably be called "A Living God, and Other Studies"--or something
of that sort. But only the gods exactly know.
Half of my psychological book--or nearly half--is also written. I
shall dedicate it probably to the Lady of a Myriad Souls--whose photo
in a black frame decorates my Japanese alcove. Provided--I don't
die or worse before it is finished. Any suggestions? I'm trying
to explain all mysterious things which philosophers, etc., call
_inexplicable_ feelings. Have you any? Please turn some over to me,
and let me digest them. I've managed the _frisson_ (woman's touch),
some colour-sensations, sublimities, etc. I want some mysterious
feelings--some exquisitenesses,--normal only. _Parfum de jeunesse_
suggests experiences. Do you know any?...
Ever faithfully,
LAFCADIO.