San Francisco: W. Somerset Maugham, noted English author, cuts a piece of birthday cake for Bertram E. Alanson (right), fulfilling a promise made 25 years ago that he would spend his 75th birthday with Alanson. Maugham said no mention was made of the quarter of a century old promise until last December and at that time he received a note from Alanson, which read. "Dear Willie: We expect you on the 25th."

Photo is dated 1949.

Photo measures 9 x 7.25 inches.