Page:Marie Corelli - the writer and the woman (IA mariecorelliwrit00coat).pdf/149

 Mr. Bentley's letter in reply, like that which follows it, is redolent of his sturdy independence and sound common sense.

"April 21st, 1889.

"As to an appeal to critics, I never make one. No good book, that is a really literary production, should require it, and any other sort of book doesn't deserve it."

"May 27th, 1889.

"The criticism will do no harm, though it may exercise some in trying to understand how the blowing hot and cold can be reconciled. For years almost the whole Press regularly attacked Miss Broughton, and I have often said that in a long business life I have never known any one so decried as she was by the Press, who yet had the good fortune to see the public set aside the verdict of the critics. May the public so deal with you, and leave the critics to their isolation."

The following was written after Mr. Gladstone's first visit to the novelist. It should be explained that Mr. Gladstone, when he first called, found Miss Corelli "out," and was afterwards invited by her to come to tea on a particular date:

"June 4th, 1889.

"I do indeed congratulate you on bringing the man (Gladstone), who is in all men's mouths, to your feet, and that, too, simply by your writings. I know you will be charmed with him, and he with you. That is a safe prophecy. You will find him