LUCE

saying I can understand your incredulity over TIME's assertion that merde could be a good luck wish... but... that's the way it is in operatic circles... due to a backstage superstition that it is bad luck to wish any one good luck in so many words, he explains the corresponding wishes in German and Italian, adding I was fascinated to learn [this lore] when the striking quote occurred in the Callas story. and I hope I have allayed your alarm over Mr. Meneghini's sentiments towards La Callas. It was thoughtful of you to ask about Clare, his wife Clare Boothe LUCE, 1903-1987, congresswoman and US Ambassador to Italy 1953-1957, who has made a fine recovery, 1 side folio, Time & Life Building, Rockefeller Centre, New York 20, 2nd November