From Madame Guérin to Madame Martin. End of October 1871.
Source: autograph fd 20,5 X 13,3 cm. Dated in pencil by Sister Geneviève: October, 1871
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My dear sister.
I wanted to write to you immediately after receiving your letter, but as I had not yet gotten up, I preferred to wait a few days to give you better news. Today I can tell you that I have been getting up for two days without setting foot on the ground to walk. I will try today or tomorrow. I am still very well, my health is good, with caution I believe I will recover completely in a few days. I'm going to be very happy to be able to go to my business for the time that I've been deprived of it. I was very bored in my bed I assure you, but alas, all that would be nothing if I had with me my poor little one [little Paul, born lifeless on October 16 at midnight), I would be very happy now [1 v°] But what's the use of complaining! If God took him away from me, it is certainly for his greater good. He showed himself to be a good father for us since he allowed our child to be baptized. This poor child has not known the sufferings of life. God put him right away in his beautiful heaven, I hope. All these thoughts there give me resignation, because you know it better than me besides it is only there that one can draw courage. It is very sad for a mother to see her child born only to see him die. This is our first test, and I don't need to tell you how cruel it was for us! You understood it well. I would have been very happy to see you, but I preferred to wait, because if you had found me still in bed, what pleasure would you have had, and I myself would be much happier to be up for you. receive.
I can't wait for your visit, you tell us that Léonie doesn't want to come, so you have to bring us my little goddaughter (Céline). I'm sure she'll have fun with her little cousins and I'll be fine. happy to see her, I who have not seen her since her baptism (September 5, 1869). Above all [2 r°] don't be afraid to bother us, you will, on the contrary, give us great pleasure.
Farewell my dear sister, we kiss you with all our heart as well as your little girls.
Please be our interpreter for Mr. Martin.
Your devoted sister,
C. Guerin
