“Rita” Thrilled Victorians

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 60, 12 March 1938, Page 3

“Rita” Thrilled Victorians

FAMOUS AUTHORESS IS DEAD “Rita,” distinguished authoress, whose books thrilled Victoriaus and Edwardians and brought rich harvest to publishers, is dead. In one of her earlier works, "Souls,” she shocked Society by her scathing attack on its manners and customs. She lived to see tastes and fashions change in a way that dismayed her. “Rita” died in the presence of her broken-hearted husband, Mr W. Desmond Humphreys, in their beautiful home, West Brow, Combe Down, on the heights overlooking Bath. For Mr Humphreys her death was a New Year’s Day tragedy; on Christmas Eve she fell in her bedroom and the shock induced heart failure. Earlier on Christmas Eve “Rita” was recognised by many people in the crowded shops in Bath, making final purchases for tho festive season. Somewhat sombrely dressed, rather like one of her elderly Victorian characters, she was obviously anticipating a pleasurable holiday and she chatted with a friendly charm to many. It is more than 50 years since “Rita” published her first novel. This was followed by •* Darby and Joan,” her first best-seller. Copyright of six of her novels was bought for less than £9 each. For a book of which nearly 200,000 copies were sold she received less than £2OO.

Mr Desmond Humphreys, her second husband, with whom she found “perfect happiness,” she married in 1913. One thing the authoress would never reveal—her age. She was believed to hav been about 70.

Queen Mary is an admirer of “Rita’s” work, and once ordered a complete set of her novels.