Du Maurier's stay in Blankenberghe was but short. He soon went to
Düsseldorf to put himself under the treatment of a famous oculist,
Hofrath de Leeuwe, who resided not far from there at Gräfrath. He
wrote, in high spirits: "Spent yesterday in Gräfrath; jolly place,
lots of beauties, plenty of singing and sketching and that sort of
thing, you know. Long walks in beautiful valleys, most delightful. The
fact is, I'm so beastly merry since I've been here that I don't think
I'm quite sane, and altogether only want your periodical visits and
permission to have my fling on Saturday nights to be in heaven. Doctor
says he'll do me good; have to go to Gräfrath once a week. Ça me bote
joliment. Good-bye, my old. Thine ever

[Illustration]

He had met some old acquaintances and fraternised with some English
and American artists, had got into the swim of Gräfrath society, such
as it was, and was soon placed on a pedestal, whilst sundry beauties
sat at his feet and, to the best of my belief, sighed. "They all want
me to make etchings of the little can-cans and lick-spittlings going
on here. Splendid study; shall think about it. Carry novel, of course,
adjourned _sine die_; haven't got time just now--you know what a
fellow I am. Just got her letter; very naïve and amusing--but don't
tell her so, or else she will pose for that and spoil it. Here is a
little drawing for you. Do all honour to it, since it has met with a
little ovation here."

[Illustration: AT THE HOFRATH'S DOOR.

"SHE. REALLY I DON'T SEE THE SLIGHTEST MOTE IN YOUR EYES."