DU MAURIER DAPHNE: (1907-1989) British Author. T.L.S., Daphne, four pages, 8vo, Menabilly, Par, Cornwall, 24th February 1964, to 'My dear' (Foy Quiller-Couch). Du Maurier writes upon hearing news of the death of Mrs. Hanson, remarking 'I simply cant think how I missed it in The Times, which I read fully every day….I'm dreadfully sorry, and yet, despite the many peaceful and I'm sure happy years living with you, I always thought of her somehow as a little lost soul, somehow cut off from the world because of that deafness and also stunned into a permanent state of shock deep down because of those tragic family deaths. I always hope one day the reason for these things will be revealed. Why a little person like her should so inwardly suffer for years and years by bereavement, - is it some shaping of her, as though a clay vase, by the potter's hand? Outwardly it doesn't make sense. One would prefer that a more stalwart figure, like Dr. Hanson, should have been the one left, but possibly he was inwardly the weaker vessel. Oh, dear, its such a "Now we see through a glass darkly" but I must confess I ponder so often over these questions, which have been asked since the beginning of time.' Du Maurier further refers to her husband, who is in good form and busy with Civil Defence meetings, as well as her own work, 'I am struggling to get down to a new book, set in Italy, and am surrounded by maps and picture postcards of my city Urbino, but its not like having a real glimpse. Rather as though an Italian woman sat down to write a novel about Fowey, with only the local guide-book and some postcards for reference! One can imagine the nonsense that would be written! So I have to go carefully'. In concluding she makes reference to mutual friends as well as her son, Kits, 'induced to enter the warm waters of the Pacific, apparently emerged a swimmer at last, and…..has never looked so well.' VG

Foy Quiller-Couch - daughter of British writer Arthur Quiller-Couch (1863-1944), and a life-long friend of Du Maurier. Indeed, Du Maurier was accompanied by Foy Quiller-Couch when she became inspired with the storyline for her novel Jamaica Inn. Some years previously the two ladies were staying at Jamaica Inn and went riding on Bodmin Moor. They became lost in bad weather conditions and apparently sheltered for some time in a derelict cottage on the moor but were eventually led back to Jamaica Inn by their horses.