COLLINS, William Wilkie (1824?1889). Autograph letter signed (?Wilkie Collins?) to his cousin Jane Ward, 12 January 1881. 3 pages, 8vo (180 x 114 mm), personal letterhead on a bifolium, creased, old mount residue to verso of final blank. COLLINS WRITES TO HIS COUSIN MENTIONING THAT HE IS BUSY FINISHING HIS NEXT NOVEL. ?Four days since I ought to have thanked you for the charming token of remembrance and kindness. My only excuse is that I am smothered in the folds of ?The Black Robe.? In plain English, I am so hard at work on this concluding chapter story, that I am not even fit to write a letter when the day?s work is done. This is only an apology for a letter ??but I delight in the lovely flowers ? and I most sincerely thank you.? Signed by Collins with a warm sentiment on the integral leaf.