in Koblenz

[London] 25 October 1879

Dear Frau Bertha,

I have just now a visitor (a tiresome one) sitting beside me, but do not wish to miss the opportunity of expressing to you in all haste my thanks for the enjoyment afforded me by the reading of your novel in the *Kölnische*. Great talent is discoverable by anyone, but the achievement is especially surprising for him who knows under what narrow circumstances, cut off from the outside world, you work. For the rest, permit me to add that I am a great heretic with regard to German novels, set no store by them, am very spoiled by the best French, English and Russian novelists, so that I also commenced the reading of your “Verhängnisvollen Jahres” with my accustomed mistrust.

With the best wishes for your well-being

Your most faithfully devoted  
Karl Marx