3 MAY 1913, Page 18

MRS. PONSONBY DE TOMKYNS.

To Tna EDITOR OF THE "SpacTrToR.-] SIR,—Iu the review of Mr. T. Martin Wood's "Du Manner" contained in the Spectator of April 26th, you describe Mrs. Ponsonby de Tomkyns as one of the characten of Du Maurier's invention, and in the passage which you cite from Mr. Henry James she is referred to as a real creation. This she undoubtedly is, but her creator was Disraeli, and he called her Mrs. Guy Fiouncey. If anyone doubts, let him look at the seventh chapter of " Tancred " !—I am, Sir, &c.,

CHRISTIAN TEARLE.

[Mrs. Guy Flouncey was much more of a rattle, not nearly so literary, and finally far more political than her successor.— ED. Spectator.]