Madame Chrysanthème

TRANSLATED BY LAURA ENSOR
THE MODERN LIBRARY
PUBLISHERS NEW YORK
Manufactured in the United States of America Bound for THE MODERN LIBRARY by H. Wolff
TO MADAME LA DUCHESSE DE RICHELIEU.
Madame La Duchesse ,
Allow me to crave your acceptance of the following work, as a respectful tribute of my attachment.
I felt some hesitation in offering it, for its main incident cannot be deemed altogether proper; but I have striven that in its expression at least, it should not sin against good taste, and I trust that my endeavours have been successful.
It is the diary of a summer of my life, in which I have changed nothing, not even the dates, thinking as I do, that in our efforts to arrange matters we often only succeed in disarranging them. Although the most important rôle may appear to devolve on Madame Chrysantheme, it is very certain that the three principal personages are myself, Japan, and the effect produced on me by that country.
Do you remember a certain photograph — rather ridiculous I must admit — representing that big fellow Yves, a Japanese girl and myself, grouped closely together as we were placed side by side by a Nagasaki artist? You smiled when I assured you that the carefully combed little creature placed between us two, had been one of our neighbours. Kindly welcome my book with the same indulgent smile, without seeking therein a meaning either good or bad, in the same spirit that you would receive some quaint bit of pottery, some grotesquely carved ivory idol, or some preposterous trifle brought back for you from this singular fatherland of all preposterousness.
Believe me with the deepest respect, Madame la Duchesse,
Your affectionate