Budapest, July 15, 1923

Dear Professor,

I hope there is no immediate reason as to why I have had no news from you for so long. In the week before last I was—on the occasion of my fiftieth birthday1—inundated with congratulations. I honestly admit that a word from you would have outweighed everything else. To be sure, my memory was conspicuous by its absence at your last birthday.

I can allow myself to accept, only in part without pangs of conscience, the exceedingly large gift2 that you allowed yourself to be carried away with. It is, indeed, a small fortune that I was so immodest as to request. Such a burden will press on me continually! So, you won't think ill of me if I ask you to be allowed to pay back at least half with the English pounds