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Vienna, October 11, 1920
IX., Berggasse 19
Dear friend, In the Dutch tumult it was altogether impossible to talk intimately with each other. I also have no intention whatsoever of letting our private correspondence dissipate in the circular writings of the Committee, no matter how purposeful the latter may prove to be.1 So, I am writing to you today as a reopening, and I thank you, first of all, for the beautiful coffee machine which was sent by your sister-in-law from Rome, which will become functional as soon as the glass which was damaged in transit is replaced. Second, for your intention to present me with a ring, which I learned about by chance. I ask you to renounce it for the time being and perhaps to reserve it for my 80th birthday.—
Furthermore, I will share with you the fact that we seem to be on the brink of a very favorable turn in our business relations. The sale of the Verlag to Kola2 could become possible, assure Rank's immediate future, give us back half a million in cash, and permit the greatest possible expansion of our activity, so that we can publish what we want and what seems worthwhile. Naturally, we haven't closed the deal yet. Rank still has to present a balance sheet, and the drink can still be spilled, ‘twixt cup and lip.3 There then remains the satisfaction that a big businessman like Kola