754 - HUGO, Victor. Letter addressed to "Dear Mr. [Léon] Bérardi." Hauteville-House [Guernsey], March 26 [1866], 2 pp., in-8°, fine blue vellum paper, unsigned. "Victor Hugo" (fold marks, some wear at the binding with minor marginal losses, no significant damage to the text, slight ink migration). In a clear protective sleeve, sealed along the edges. A lovely, friendly letter written two weeks after the publication of *Les Travailleurs de la mer*, attesting to the novel’s immediate reception among Hugo’s circle in Brussels. The novel had been published simultaneously in Brussels and Paris on March 12, 1866. Hugo is delighted with the reception Claire Bérardi gave him: “I am very pleased that *Les Travailleurs de la mer* did not bore Madame Bérardi too much—her smile is a reward in itself.” He also thanked Léon Bérardi for his “gracious and precious friendship” and informed him that he was sending another of his works: “I am sending you a book of mine as a token of friendship.” Hugo also hopes to welcome the entire family to Guernsey soon: “Hauteville House is always looking forward to seeing all three of you, for Marguerite [Bérardi, born in 1861] is our own little gem as well. If necessary, I’ll come all the way to Brussels to fetch you.” He concludes with a warm expression of friendship: “My family loves you and often speaks to me of you. Since the happiness of my friends is essential to my own, I thank you for being happy. To Madame Bérardi, my respectful regards; to you, my cordial handshake.”