Box 2

"Thank you for yours of Dec. 30th... You see, it is just this matter of prices upon which I especially need advice, and I would much prefer to leave the figures entirely in your hands..."

"The valuation of items that are unique is of course very difficult even to people who spend their lives dealing with such objects. But, although collectors seem quite mad to pay high prices for what another person would think of little value..."

"At last I have heard from America. This morning by the same post, I get a letter from both! First, Mr. Roberts is full of apologies: 'Please assure Miss Corke that I'm sorry that we are so slow...'"

"The cheque for $500:00 arrived a few days ago from the University of Texas, and this morning, I get a chit from my Bank that they are crediting me with £177.10.0 so I think we have not done so badly with Texas..."

"[...] It really wasn't arithmatic that was a fault but anxiety not to seem a parasite on your treasures. In the case of Nottingham, I really did feel that I had done next to nothing but Texas was a little different..."

"At last I've heard from Reading University but this delay has been in part my fault as the day after I wrote you last, I went down with 'flu and, although I didn't have it badly..."

"I received your letter and the holograph letter quite safely and have now offered all the items to Reading Library and will await their reply. I don't doubt they will take their time about it!..."

"At long last I've received a remittance from Southern Illinous[sic] University which my Bank tells me is worth £12 almost to a penny. It should do as you may remember I altered their Order from £10 to a figure in dollars..."

"Many thanks for your letter. Yes, of course I would be very pleased to give you a valuation of your books through such valuations are not always of much value. For instance, I stock-take my own books once every year..."

"At long last I have heard from the Librarian of Reading University.It seems that they are not interested in either the Dictionary or the Typescript though in both cases I reduced the price considerably..."