COLETTE: (1873-1954) French author, best known for her novella Gigi (1944). A.L.S., Colette Willy, one page, 8vo, Rue Marguerite, Paris, n.d. (1^st December 1913), to Marcel Drouet, on the printed stationery of the Imperiale Residence Hotel, in French. Colette writes a charming letter, 'Willy me dit que c'est vous qu'il faut remercier, et je le fais avec beaucoup de Plaisir. J'ai appris cet ete a monter a cheval, pour que vous m'estimiez davantage. Mais cela suffira-t-il pour que je vous inspire confiance? J'en doute' (Translation: 'Willy tells me that it is you who should be thanked, and I do so with great pleasure. I learned this summer to ride a horse, so that you will esteem me more. But will that be enough for me to inspire your confidence? I doubt'). With blank integral leaf. Accompanied by the original envelope hand addressed by Colette (and re-addressed in another hand) and neatly split at three of the edges. Some light age wear and a few minor creases, VG

Marcel Drouet (1888-1915) French writer who contributed to a number of magazines.

Henry Gauthier-Villars (1859-1931) French author and publisher who used the pen name 'Willy'. Mentor and first husband of Colette from 1893-1910.