Letter to Larry

Abstract

Oscar Epfs! I've forgotten the year this famous painter had an expo in Paris, to which you were invited. It was a great success. People came up to ask you what you thought of him ... Later, back in Sommieres, we couldn't stop laughing as you described the scene, how you answered or received the criticisms, all the while asking where Oscar Epfs was and would he be coming?! Was the mystery ever cleared? I don't know, but it can't be a secret any more. D'ailleurs Oscar Epfs was not an orphan, for in due course appeared a plump lady you introduced as Mrs. Epfs. You said she was the most wonderful woman you had ever met. She would stay exactly where you put her, never utter a sound (and presumably not claim alimony in case .. .). Well, generally Mrs. Epfs was to be found floating on her back in the pool. In summer we would gather round the pool and admire her as she slowly revolved, arms and legs widely spread (surely for balance) on the water. One evening, you were sitting with a glass in your hand (I've never seen you seated otherwise) while the children (Sapphy, Diana and Barry-Penny was in England) and I basked in the sun. Quite