_From Fred Golightly, comedian, to Sinclair Voyle, dramatic critic._
DEAR VOYLE,--I am not one ordinarily to take any notice of remarks
that are overheard and reported to me; but there are exceptions to
every rule and I am making one now. I was told this evening by a
mutual friend and fellow-member that at the Buskin Club, after lunch
to-day, in the presence of a number of men, you said that the trouble
with me was that I had no sense of humour.
Considering my standing as a comedian, hitherto earning high salaries
and occupying the place I do solely by virtue of my comic gifts (as
the Press and Public unanimously agree), this disparagement from a man
wielding as much power as you do is very damaging. Managers hearing of
it as your honest opinion might fight shy of me.
I therefore ask you to withdraw the criticism with as much publicity
as it had when you defamed me by making it.
Why you should have made it at all I can't imagine, for I have often
seen you laughing in your stall, and we have been friends for many
years.
Believe me, yours sincerely but sorrowfully, FRED GOLIGHTLY.