GIDE (André) L.A.S. to Marie Bell of 2 pages (14x22) of 33 lines. Framed under glass. "04/10/1950 Dear Marie Bell The warm kindness of your welcome at the Foyer des Français, the other day, encourages me to write you what I have been able to tell you only very imperfectly. And then the fear of appearing to bring you into the expression of my feelings some excess. However, you should be convinced that my desire to see you in the Caves, assuming a role that it seemed to me, in retrospect, to have written for you, outweighed all other considerations. First of all because I remain convinced that no other than you can assume this difficult role with such an assured success; success where would enter even the amused surprise to see you suddenly so different from ... I was going to say: from yourself; let's say simply: from a queen of Egypt ... And then what a disappointment it would be not to feel you at my side, to run such a pleasant and risky adventure! I would have liked to examine with you if this role, assumed by you, I could not, for you, flesh it out a little more. I would at least have liked you to know all this, and that I remain, whatever happens, and that you decide your fearfully and very attentive André Gide " André Gide died 4 months and a half after sending this letter, as a result of a pulmonary congestion, at the age of 81. It is joined: of the same L.A.S. to Marie Bell (10x16) of 3 lines. Framed under glass. "October 18, 1950 They embalm my convalescence André Gide " Either 2 L.A.S. framed under glass.