[ Jane Dieulafoy, French explorer and archaeologist. ] Two Autograph Letters Signed (both 'J. Dieulafoy') to the decadent poet Robert Scheffer, one praising his book 'Sommeil', and the other commenting on Scheffer's marriage difficulties.

Both letters in good condition, lightly-aged. Two evocative and well-written letters. With her close-cropped hair and mannish ways (the Shah of Persia refused to believe she was a woman) Dieulafoy would have appealed to the decadents. ONE. '14 Mai 1892'. 2pp., 12mo. Bifolium. In matching grey-paper envelope, addressed by Delafoy to Scheffer at 60 Rue de la Tour. Scheffer had published a collection of decadent verse titled 'Sommeil' in Paris in 1891, described by Jean Pierrot as 'une série de textes oniriques', and Delafoy writes that she is 'dans toute l'émotion que viennent de développer en moi vos ombres et mirages. Quelle grandeur majestueuse et simple à la fois dans ces chants où vous montrez si bien que la poésie peut s'affranchir sans dommage des tyrannies monotones de la versification!' She ends with a warm invitation for Scheffer and his wife to visit her. TWO: 'Mercredi 2 Mai 94 10 heures'. 2pp., 12mo. Bifolium. She is writing regarding 'un malentendu cruel entre vous et Madame Scheffer'. She has 'grand desir qu'il se dissipe', adding 'mon affection pour vous deux doit vous en etre un sur garant'. She suggests a time for meeting, 'ou tel autre jour que vous voudrez, car je ne puis me décider à vous voir briser votre vie comme un enfant brise un jouet'.