DU MAURIER DAPHNE: (1907-1989) British Author. T.L.S., Daphne, four pages, 8vo, Menabilly, Par, Cornwall, 24th August 1960, to 'My dear' (Foy Quiller-Couch). Du Maurier states that she has been invited to watch her correspondent unveil the Long Stone at Four Turnings ('Or rather, unveil the plaque that has recently been placed there for all the world to see - the Guardsman [her husband, Frederick Browning] and I have been wondering how many accidents will occur, when approaching motorists suddenly stop and stare.') and confirming that she will be present, 'bearing in my pocket a flask of brandy - knowing your fluttering heart on these occasions'. Du Maurier continues to write of the guests and nannies currently in her home, explaining that the children are as quiet as mice and commenting 'Nevertheless I notice the Guardsman has developed your father's good old strategy of murmuring something about matches and leaving the drawing-room for periods of time. It is an excellent dodge, but I myself mutter words about "catching the post" which stands in equal stead. (Also, I seem to think, a trick of your father's, but working even better for him because he could actually take a package down to the Post Office, whereas we have no such excuse but must wait for the Mail van to call.)' She also sends news of her current work, 'Branwell is safely at the printers, and I am having a quiet moment (when I can snatch it) going through Castle Dor and roughing down snatches of dialogue between Dr. Carfax and Monsieur Ledru where slight elaboration seems to be necessary (I feel it is taken to much for granted at present that the reader knows his Tristan) and I must say I enjoy myself seeing how I can keep the pair in character..Still feel the 1914 war is an error, and would much prefer to set the story about 1860 (just after the railway line was finished between Plymouth and Penzance) and keep it there. Your father's fashion of telling the tale, and his dialogue, suits that period so much better.' A small tape stain appears to the head of the first and final pages, only very slightly affecting two words of text, but not the signature, otherwise 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. In 1930 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.
The work which Du Maurier refers to in the present letter is Castle Dor, a historical novel based around the legend of Tristan and Iseult, but set in 19th century Cornwall. The main characters are a Breton onion seller, Amyot Trestane, and the newly wed Linnet Lewarne. Published in 1961, Du Maurier completed the unfinished manuscript of Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch's last novel. Quiller-Couch's daughter, Foy, had given her blessing for Du Maurier to complete the work.