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Jan 12/54

Dear Dorothy:

I can't tell you how much terrific I think you are for sending me that report on the show at Janis's. You would be surprised if you know how little I hear in this pretty backwash called S.F. Since I have seen no periodicals or papers I have just settled by looking at the yellow bulletin and hoping ----. Your conversation with Betty tensed me again and I am going to take the liberty of filling in those things which she wouldn't dare speak about. This is to reassure you since you took a vigorous stand about my relation to the gallery, as well as to document an incident which she and "her boys" will try to turn into a weapon against us. Here goes:

On a Monday I visited Janis gallery to see some new Pollocks which Jack had recently sent in. On my way out Janis said he would to speak to me privately about a group show he was planning. I said "OK, any time." He said "Tomorrow?" I thought a[[crossed out]]m[[/crossed out]] moment and said "No, better make it Wednesday." In one of those odd ways one things it seemed that I just needed a bit more time to collect my forces before discussing such a problem with him. Especially in view of the impression most have that I am just a cantankerous s.o.b. who as Parsons once said "wants to cut his own throat." (I am sure she wanted to do it for me)

Well, Sidney seemed pleased and we chose Longchamps on Madison for the meeting. I went downstairs and walked a while and pondered the danger of reversing myself in a small group show and etc.etc. and then I thought that it would be wise to have a conversation with Parsons to clear the air and pull any corks she may have placed because of the paintings she had bought, in case I decided for Sidney's show. I telephoned her to try to arrange a talk on Tuesday and for a reply got a flighty mess of impertinence to the effect that she couldn't "find the time for that for probably a couple of weeks", "so busy", "so full of shows", so many plans", sorry -- just haven't the time." "But let me look in my calendar. well -- maybe next Monday." I said "Alright, next Monday evening." Believe me, my teeth were tight when I hung up that receiver. 

Of course Sidney and I talked; I did not decided to let him have a picture the next day; we left on most cordial terms, and on the proposition I proposed, namely, that we find out about each other from each other, I said I would write him my ideas about the matter. And we set another date for a meeting. I/wrote the letter, postponing the decision until after our second conversation.

I had dinner with Parsons the following Monday. I had decided to ask a few things directly, since she had played so loose with