Letter from Edgar Wellington

Edgar Wellington sent this letter to Christian Lorien in Poissy about six months before you began your investigation:

"50, Rue St. Etienne Lausanne, Switzerland

To whom it may concern,

I realize that I am a complete stranger and that this letter may well mean nothing to you. My name is Edgar Wellington, and I am researching the history of a statue known most commonly as the Sedefkar Simulacrum. I recently came into possession of an old scroll which presents an intriguing description of the item. This piqued my interest, and I am now endeavouring to trace the simulacrum. My search has lead me to your address.

The name is probably meaningless to you but, through my researches, I have learnt that the last recorded resting place of the piece of art was in the house that occupied your land in the late 18th century. The statue was a unique Arabian artefact, lost during the events of 1789. Its last owner was a German-born nobleman, named Fenalik, who once lived where you live today.

Please, I ask that if you have heard any local stories regarding this item, or maybe found any traces of the old house and its possessions on your land which might give a clue as to the eventual fate of the object, would you be so kind as to write to me with a summary of the information.

I apologize for the rather strange nature of my request, but I feel that I should pursue whatever leads remaining me. I hope that you will not go to any great length regarding this,

Yours most sincerely, Edgar Wellington"

Owing to different things, and because he had never heard of this story, Christian Lorien had not replied.

The scroll Edgar referred to was later taken by the Duc des Esseintes.

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