William Waldorf Astor Autograph Letter Signed

American-born statesman, philanthropist, and financier (1848–1919) of the prominent family of New York millionaires. ALS signed “Will,” four pages on two adjoining sheets, 7 x 9, Villa Sirena letterhead, February 27, 1912. Handwritten letter to "Diane," in part: "I passed six weeks very agreeably in Egypt—a beautiful country that delights me, & where I renewed my slight acquaintance with the shadowy Pharaohs who are more congenial to me than the new-fangled features of the odious times in which I have the bad luck to live…You see how little we should have in common if we talked of serious questions & as for the gentler emotions, while Time softens many griefs, I do not forget that you did your angry best to pain me by telling me with feline spite that for your all between us had been mere futile make believe…I ask you to be careful with your spelling in America. For an Englishwoman you spell remarkable correctly, but your manuscripts for the magazines should be examined…As an instance in point there is only one mistake in your letter. [Here, he affixes a clipped "ernest" from her letter] should be written earnest. In the States a Reformer is expected to know how to spell." In fine condition.