Letter from Margaret Emily Gaskell, Penrith, to George du Maurier, 1895 September 12 : autograph manuscript signed.

Concerning his play "Trilby;" saying "I feel quite 'swollen', as Americans say, at having received a letter from the writer of Trilby! and feel as grateful as proud - I must, however, venture to contradict you as to the causes of the success of the play. Neither Mr. Tree nor Mr. Potter had anything to do with the conception of the story, or creation of the characters - Everybody has gone wild about the book : that is the truth, and the whole truth. We were amused to see in the Westminster Gazzette - - (I fear that I have added a 'z' too much, as Mr. Arnold added an 'L' too much to Svengali's name) - that some of the audience were supposed not to have read the book - all the book-sellers' windows in Manchester display nothing else at present. Miss Baird is lovely - and her acting was perfect. Her 'My Eye' was so exquisitely ejaculated each time. I am so very sorry that Mrs. du Maurier is not well. Please give her our very kindest regards. Yours very sincerely - and so delighted to have your note."