I take special pleasure in interviews with writers. Auchincloss who has published over fifty books writes of the upper- crust world he knows, and uses his professional experience as lawyer in the writing. I read work of his many years ago , and did not find myself at all moved by it.

The conversation with Rose I found interesting. And this was not because anything the author said. In fact his replies were brief, factual, and largely humorless. What I found interesting in was the whole 'awkwardness' of the interview and the exchange.

Rose always does his best to make his guests feel at home. He knows about them and their work in a good way. He does his homework beforehand. He has the appropriate flattering opener to put the guest at ease and make them feel they are with a friend. And in general good old Charlie does not attack but speaks to the person as if they are a valuable friend. He wins the trust of many people in this way.

But good old Auchincloss is a different kind of character. He is wary, clammed up, an old time ruler of the realm. He somehow looks back at Rose after a question as if he is tremendously angry at him for having dared to address him.

In any case certain information is given. Auchincloss does greatly admire Henry James and Edith Wharton. He does like Literature better than Law. He does work steadily at his books. He is apparently a good family person.

I may well here have misjudged his reticence and it may be less snobbishness than shyness.

But you certainly don't feel you are at the Equator when listening to him.

In any case good old Charlie does his job in a respectable way as usual. He could not help it if he got the Polar Winds.