Letter from Mrs. Martin CF 76
To his brother Isidore Guérin
December 28, 1871.
Yesterday I received the box containing the gifts. I can't tell you that I was happy, because I would be lying. I found that you had spent at least half more than you had to, finally, you are incorrigible and I would like with all my heart that the fashion for New Year gifts goes away. That wouldn't prevent them from giving each other gifts, but at least there wouldn't be a fixed time, it would be when that would tell us.
However Léonie is not of my opinion. If you had seen her yesterday, she was almost mad with joy, she was shaking. Little Celine opened her eyes wide. She was totally taken aback, and stayed like that for a long time, amazed, hugging her rabbit in her arms. When they told her that it was her godmother who sent her this, as well as the beautiful dress, she resumed in a tone of regret: “I don't know her, my godmother... She's cute, you say? »
I sent for the seamstress this morning, she will come on Tuesday to make the dress; if it is you who chose this fabric, I congratulate you, you have very good taste, because it is very pretty.
My husband went to see M. Leconte, director of the Hospice Pharmacy, to give him your letter. He replied that he had not had time to examine your current prices, then that he could not change his suppliers if he did not see any benefit, finally, he would do what he would think possible, but it was provisioned for two months.
Louis was disenchanted and I even more, however, he is not determined to leave him alone. If you don't do business with this gentleman, there's no way. But, I tell myself that it is impossible for you to be able to supply at the same price, since you are buying at the same price as them. Your Drugstore torments me as much as you, I have never seen it with pleasure. Please God it turns out better than I think!
I'm sorry that your poor dear wife is reduced to not moving; but it will only be temporary, I believe. When will all his evils end? Kiss her well for me, tell her that I thank her a thousand times for the pretty dress she sent for Celine, she's too good, that was enough of the beautiful little rabbit. But anyway, there is nothing to say but to thank you.
I wish you all the blessings of Heaven; if the good Lord hears me, you will be the happiest of men, in this world and in the next...
