Tel. 91731.
2 Kenilworth Square
Rathgar,
Dublin.
Wednesday 19th Feb 47
Dear Austin Clarke,
This is a copy of the new play I told you about “Out of the Darkness” It was lying there for three months waiting to be tidied up and typed, but I was having a series of short-term attacks of flu – instalments I hope, not hors-d’oeuvres – and I couldn’t attend to it. I was sorry to hear that you had bad flu. I hope you have completely recovered. I’ll be very interested to hear your opinion of the play. Don’t think of my “feelings” Any I had towards it – a great many – went into it, and there’s only a keen interest left.
I have none of that fierce protectiveness towards my own work that big Jack Fury, the head of the Galway tinkers felt on the day when he brought his little son down to the National school for the first time, “If ya bate that child,” said Jack, shaking his enormous fist at the schoolmaster, “ya bate me”
If you “bate” Iyar I promise not to feel “bet.”
Every good wish to you and your wife from both of us.
Yours sincerely,
Mary Devenport O’Neill
Tel. 91731.
2 Kenilworth Square
Rathgar,
Dublin.
Sunday 2nd March 47
Dear Austin Clarke,
I was very glad to get your letter and sorry to hear you had such a bad cold. It’s impossible to avoid at present. One is either climbing out of last week’s cold or sinking into next week’s. It was very good news to hear that you liked the play. We are hoping to see you both before long – as soon as possibility has returned to the world. Out phone is temporarily dead. Its wires are lying sadly under the snow for the last four weeks. Have you ever known such determinedly hostile weather? My maid, Nancy, believes that “the devil” has somehow got on top, and that the war, the weather and the rationing is [sic] the result of his rule. This theory, however, does not shake her faith in the miraculous medal.
It was good of you to write when you were feeling bad. Thanks very much. Every good wish to you both and a quick recovery.
Yours sincerely,
Mary Devenport O’Neill
P.S. Our telephone is working again. Workmen have just come and set it up, although its Sunday afternoon, M.D. ON.
