[H.G. Wells] Two Autograph Notes AND Two Autograph [Post]cards] Signed H.G. one of which is incomplete, three items to Charlotte [Boissevain]. one to both Charlotte & Jan [Boissevain]. With 2 photos of Wells and the Boissevains. See Notes below.
Letter 1 (9 March 1931): one page, 4to. fold marks, small hole with loss of two letters), good condition. Text: Dear Charlotte | Odette is still in bed, weak as a rat & [she?] had flu & I got [me?] it. I'm being an Angel to her, but its very quiet between whiles. Would you like to lunch with me & bring your Jan one day next week? If so telephone me one fine morning. The Casino at Juan les Pains - I mean the place on the beach - used to be bright & it seems a convenient half way house between us. If Jan can't be brought, bring yourself.; [Post]card One 28 April 1931): My dear Charlotte | I've just heard you've had some sort of operation in Paris. I'm so startled & distressed. When I came to lunch you seemed the picture of health & vigour. I hope its one of those matters that irritate & pass away & that you'll be back before I am in the south of France & the sunshine. All my good wishes, - my very very good wishes, dear Charlotte \ H.G. | My good wishes too to Jan. I don't [underlined] like these things happening to my friends.; [Postcard Two (incomplete, missing first page): and everything will be [loving?] again. If Odette makes difficulties then all these dreams will vanish into air. I can turn her out of the house but not out of the farm & I can lock up the [hall?] and garage; that being the peculiar tangle created by the Grasse Lawyers. I may use their [power?] to force her to accept my very fair terms for a settlement, but if this thing has to be done contentiously it may waste another year. | Bless Charlotte & Jan. Letter Two (12 Dec. 1949): Text: The [Clipper??See Image] is now postponed to the 17th. So a meditative Evening may still be possible. | Your slippers are a constant comfort. I am wearing them now | Bless you. WITH two photographs, one with obscured message in Wells's hand. Photograph a.: Head and shoulders (just about) of smiling Well's with, bottom right, obscured words in Wells' hand, Love to dear [wise?] Charlotte [Boissevain], 16 x 20cm with closed tear and sl. damage (verso has remnants of a laying down; Photograph b.: Postcard-type photograph, 15 x 10cm, serrated edge, good conditionfeaturing Wells (hat and bow tie) with Charlotte and Jan Boissevain, and an unidentified male, seated at a cafe table. On verson the stamp of the photographer, Photo J. Feneyrol | Villa de la Terrasse Cannes [...] with pencilled identification of Wells and the Boissevain. AND envelope addressed by Wells to Charlotte Boissevain. SEE IMAGES. Note: Charlotte Boissevain nee Ives was an American actress who appeared on Broadway and in silent films. This material derives from a collection of letters from distinguished friends (Rebecca West, Somerset Maugham, H.L. Mencken (all catalogued separately)). A note accompanied this collection: Letters from Rebecca West | H.G. Wells | Somerset Maugham | H.L. Mencken.| To Charlotte Boissevain. | Charlotte Boissevain gave these documents to Paul Gallico to 'keep safely'. [Signed] V.G. [Virginia Gallico presumably]. A photocopy of this item is included in this collection.