Typed letter signed (“Leonard”) to Marianne Ihlen ("My dearest Marianne"), [Hydra] 19 August 1961.

One page, 280 x 216mm (a little toning at fold); with transmittal envelope (torn).

Still unwilling to commit, yet paralyzed by thoughts that he had lost her. "God was I happy to get your letters. The thought of you never answering made me numb although I have no right to be part of your life... And it is always true that I have never been as happy as when we were together. I say always because the comfort you gave me is still with me and I long to have it renewed." He sends more updates on The Favorite Game: “I am doing a difficult revision of my novel. It goes so damn slowly that sometimes I think I want to abandon it all together. I don’t know if it would be harder or easier if we were living together.” Regarding her complicated marriage, he comments that “I did not misunderstand what you said about giving up too easily and quickly with Axel. I have been waiting to hear you say that. I always felt that and I suppose it is one of the reasons why I have been so indecisive—I did not want to stand in the way of a reconciliation.”

“I want to talk to you and touch you. That is one of the things I am working for. If I sent some money could you make it down here for a little while? I do not know what will happen to us but I know we are joined.”

By descent from Marianne Ihlen.