From Marie Martin to Pauline. July 9, 1873.
Dear little Pauline,
Here you are, then, on the fine day of your Second Communion (Thursday, July 10). I would very much like to be with you at this moment, but since I cannot (she was barely cured of her typhoid fever), I will at least join you in my prayers. Don't forget me either, my little Pauline, is thinking of your sister today and praying to God that she will become good.
[1v°] The summer holidays are approaching, what a joy to find you among us again, how happy I will be to see you again, my little Paulin.
We are arranging your garden for the day you arrive, we are planting lots of queen daisies in it, thinking it will please you.
I am now going to tell you a story that happened to me quite recently. I was at the pavilion with Mom and I was picking strawberries with Léonie and Céline. I was walking quietly in the alleys, when I see something jump, I bend down, I move a strawberry plant and what was my astonishment [2r°] when I saw a frog jump on me. I made beautiful cries I assure you ‑and I promise myself now not to, so well seek in the strawberries because I was famously caught Finally I am done with my fear.
My sister M. Gertrude sent me a letter you will tell her from me that it gave me great pleasure and that she interested me greatly.
We went for a walk in the countryside on Sunday, we had a lot of fun running through the fields and although we went out quite late, we were very hot.
This is the last letter I [2v°] will write to you between now and the holidays. When you come, you'd do well to bring me my notebook if you don't mind.
Farewell, my little Paulinot, see you soon, until I kiss you as I love you, that is to say with all my heart. Many things from me to Edith and Renée
Your loving sister
Mr. Martin
[1r° tv] Marie to Pauline her little sister whom she loves
