Letter from C. Croft, Weston-Super-Mare, to Emma du Maurier, 1894 September 8 : autograph manuscript signed.

Discussing her love of "Trilby"; saying "Trilby is finished but not gone out of my life for she has become part of it - welded by the author's magic art. The whole story is delightful - masterly - but I wish she had not died with that name on her lips - & that Little Billie could have survived to gain fame and find content. It is impossible to convey in words the pleasure Mr. du M has given me or to thank him enough. Yet how many tears too has he cost me! When will be write another? Peter Ibotson [sic] I have read twice and like - next to Trilby - but none of the characters in it take hold of me as do Trilby, The Laird Taffy and Little Billee Trilby's - theology and ethics are delightful. 'Thems my Sentiments tew' but had never been so clearly set forth in words as by your husband. My numbers have gone to the binder and the vol. with Peter Ibotson will have the place of honour on my book shelves. Have you come home again and has Whitby been a success this year? I am tired of Weston and its stupid people and towards the end of the year I shall bid it ta-ta going probably near Stratford-on-Avon, which is hallowed ground and within easy reach of my native Ombersley. Any place but London would deaden one after four years without change and to avoid premature dotage I'll be off to a neighbourhood rich in historical interest and beautiful in itself;" sending her regards and thanks to Mr. du Maurier and to her; adding, in a postscript, "I am so glad to have an illustrated Trilby."