Émile ZOLA. L.A.S., Médan August 2, 1878, to Léon Cladel; 1 1/2 pages in-8, envelope. He regrets not having been able to meet Cladel to thank him for sending his book L'Homme de la Croix-aux-Bœufs, and writes belatedly, as he did not want to "allow myself to judge her in the quick letter that one sends in the current of the pen to any colleague. I wanted to see you and have a long chat. We differ on many points, which is all the more reason to get to the heart of the matter. So if you'll allow me, I'll wait for an opportunity and tell you my feelings in person. But it seemed impossible to me to delay any longer the affectionate handshake I send to the great literary artist in you"...