Letter from Mrs. Martin to Mrs. Guérin CF 31
14 April 1868.
Your last letter made me very happy, I was waiting for your news with impatience and I am still waiting, because I would like to know how little Jeanne is doing, as well as all of you.
I see that you have already had a great deal of anxiety about this dear little one; but, my dear sister, you mustn't torment yourself beyond measure, children always have some troubles, I'm so used to it for mine, that I take my side.
However, I had many reasons for anxiety about the youngest who was very ill three weeks ago. The nurse came in sobbing to tell me that there was no hope, that he was taken just like his little brother. The fear of seeing him die in her home frightened her so much that she wanted to give it back to me. The doctor went there right away and found that he had bronchitis; he was cared for as well as possible; now he is completely cured.
We went to see him today. He smiled at his father and at me, as if he knew us. I am very deprived of not having him with us and I can't wait until the moment to take him back has come, although I am afraid in advance of the additional embarrassment that this will cause us, because we are not lacking in work. here; if I had three times less, I would still have enough not to be often idle, but it's such a sweet job to take care of your grandchildren! If I had only that to do, it seems to me that I would be the happiest of women. But their father and I have to work to earn them a dowry, otherwise, when they grow up, they won't be happy with us!
In my last letter, I did not think of thanking you for the beautiful box of sweets that you sent me by my father; he told me a charming account of the baptism of little Jeanne, he was truly amazed.
Everyone here is in good health, but my poor Léonie fell violently and got two very large and deep cuts on her forehead. This is the third time she has cut her forehead and the first two marks are very visible, I'm sorry about that. But, on the other hand, she's the best character you can see, she and Pauline are charming, little Hélène is very cute too. Marie has a very special and determined character. She is the most beautiful, but I would like her to be more docile. When you write to me, don't talk about what I tell you about this child, who is moreover so gifted, my husband wouldn't be happy, she's his beloved!
I hope to hear from you soon. Will you tell me if the pharmacy is doing well, if my brother is still tormenting himself, if he is sad? I would like you all to be happy; but true happiness is not of this world, we waste our time looking for it.
