THE DAI-ICHI KANGYO BANK, LTD. letterhead] April 17, 2001 THE TALBOTS, INC. 175 Beal Street Hingham, MA 02043 CONFIRMATION OF EXTENSION Re: Revolving Credit Agreement made as of April 14, 1998, between The Talbots, Inc. as borrower, and The Dai-Ichi...

                   [THE DAI-ICHI KANGYO BANK, LTD. letterhead]

                                                  April 17, 2001

THE TALBOTS, INC.
000 Xxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxxxx, XX 00000


                            CONFIRMATION OF EXTENSION


         Re:      Revolving Credit Agreement made as of April 14, 1998,  between
                  The Talbots,  Inc. as borrower,  and The Dai-Ichi Kangyo Bank,
                  Limited [the "Agreement"]



Dear Sirs:

We are  pleased  to confirm  with you the one year  extension  of the  Revolving
Credit  according  to Section  14(j)(i) of the  Agreement.  The new expiry dated
April 17, 2003.




                                           Very truly yours,



                                           THE DAI-ICHI KANGYO BANK, LTD.
                                           NEW YORK BRANCH


                                           By___________________________
                                             Xxxxxxx Xxxxx
                                             Senior Vice President &
                                             Department Head
c.c. Mr. Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx
     Xxxxx (U.S.A.), Inc.