The Letters of Katherine Mansfield: Volume II
December 3, 1921
To Sydney Schiff
December 3, 1921
I am still here to all appearance. But the ‘essential moi,’ as Daudet would say, is in Paris sitting in a small darkish room opposite a man called Manoukhine. Whether I shall follow this one I don't know yet. When does one really begin a journey—or a friendship—or a love affair? It is those beginnings which are so fascinating and page 160 so misunderstood. There comes a moment when we realise we are already well on our way—déjà.
Let us drink champagne when we meet again. Where will that be and when? That glimpse of London in your letter—just that lift of the curtain showing lights, big gay rooms,——'s mouth, the Ballet—a strain, heard from afar—and people round the table and the sound of the bell … you took me there for the moment and I passed away from my mountains.