Letter from Mrs. Martin CF 75
To his brother Isidore Guérin
December 25, 187I.
I'm really sorry that your poor wife is still unwell, but she has a rare calm and patience.
Ever since I came back from Lisieux, my mind has always been on your side; I regret that the happy moments I spent with you have passed; it seems to me that now we will be so long without seeing each other again, it seems like an eternity. I'm already counting the months until the holidays, but I hope that until then, you will come and shorten this waiting time.
Louis will take care of your business about the drugstore; he has already gone in search of a director, but I doubt the success. You do, however, have good friends in Alencon. I was happy with MY's behavior towards you, I didn't expect it, I had so many disappointments in my life that I hardly believe in true friends anymore.
And I who had the cowardice to make fun of Mrs. Y. I have infinite regret. I don't know why I have no sympathy for her, she has only ever done me good and rendered services. I who hate ungrateful people, so I have only to hate myself, because I am nothing but a real ungrateful person. Also, I want to convert in earnest and I have already started, because for some time now I have taken every opportunity to speak well of this lady. This is all the easier because she is an excellent person, worth more than all those who make fun of her, starting with me!
