# - Potter, Beatrix.

concerning a recent visit by Hettie and Ina Douglas to Beatrix Potter and the author's subsequent hospitalization for a hysterectomy ("I did not tell you I was going to hospital because I feared that you might think yourselves in the way whereas it was a nice distraction... Mr Heelis and I had a nice Sunday, and we went after dinner to "Tom Kittens" house and hung pictures..."), discussion of dolls, doll's houses and the "Two Bad Mice" ("...I can't think what has become of "Lucinda and Jane", perhaps you and I may find them some day. They may never have been unpacked since leaving London... I am a bad person to lose things..."), mention of war-time farming practices, description of an accident to Chuleh, the Pekenise dog ("...Chuleh returned to him [William Heelis] covered with blood and an eye like a disgusting marble... They are tough little dogs. We were more upset than Chuleh. It does not show a great deal; and she is rabbitting again..."), discussion of dog breeds ("...Border terrier[s]... are very active independent little dogs and better able to look after themselves... One can never tell how a Border puppy will turn out; a nice thick little dog is very pleasing. Sometimes they grow bigger than expected..."), a proposed new visit during 1942 ("...I am afraid I cannot spare petrol to send the car... You may think it unwise to leave home – there have been no raids here since last summer..."), views on the war ("...war news has been bad reading, but I think this year will see the end...") and the author's opinion together with a miniature pen outline of a dog on the recipient's new pet ("...'Spot' looks a sensible dog and very well set up on his legs, and strong enough to take care of himself. He looks a very suitable dog, for guard and company. A good broad chest – and a very pleasing face – well marked. Tell him I approve of him and I approve of his dear whiskers!..."); 9 pages, 8vo and 4to, [Women's Hospital, Catherine Street,] Liverpool and Castle Cottage, Sawrey, Ambleside, 31 March 1939, 14 January 1942, 3 May 1942 and 9 January 1943 (together with three envelopes: 15 January 1942, 11 January 1943 and 15 April 1943), some spotting, extensive damp-staining to third letter and envelopes, professional repair to fold on first letter, loss to corner (and professional repair) of third letter, occasional minor fraying to edges

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Hettie and Ina Douglas, were the nieces of Mary, Bertram's widow. Before Mary Potter's death in February 1939, Hettie had lived with Mary Potter in Ashyburn on the Borders. The first two letters offered here are printed in Beatrix Potter's Letters (selected and introduced by Judy Taylor), London, 1989. The other two remain unpublished.