Émile ZOLA. L.A.S., Médan May 24, 1882, to Paul Alexis; 2pages in-8. Concerning a polemic between Paul Alexis and Henry Céard about Musset [Both had participated in the Soirées de Médan. [Both had participated in the Soirées de Médan]. "You would be doing me a great favor, my friend, by not answering. Your adversary is a cold-hearted stubborn man who won't let you have the last word: he'll respond, you'll respond, and it'll end up ugly. This is my easy prediction. - Believe me, throw one last shovelful of earth on a dead camaraderie. You no longer exist for each other. Don't prolong the agony of your literary friendship by quarrelling in front of the gallery, which would be too happy. I beg you to sacrifice your grief to me. Write a beautiful novel, and let that be your answer. - Now, if you could not make this sacrifice, I beg you to come and read me your answer. All this makes me very sad"... Enclosed is a photograph of Paul Alexis by Benque (in-8 format).