Letter from George du Maurier, Folkestone, to Sir W.H. Russell, 1895 September 18 : autograph manuscript signed.

Replying to his letter about the inspiration for the characters in "Trilby;" saying "I'm afraid I have drawn mostly on my imagination for the characters in Trilby. I had rather portrayed Whistler - but he objected, so I expunged him - The only character from life is 'Sandy, the Laird' - my old friend T.R. Lamont, of the old Watercolour Society - who seems rather pleased with my portrait of him. Svengali is a figment of fancy - & so is Trilby - and so are all the others. 'Little Billee' is rather founded on Fred Walker. I am delighted my book should have interested HRH. As far as I know Harold Power is still alive & kicking, tho' I have not met him recently."