Letter from Mrs. Martin CF 113
To his brother Isidore Guérin and his sister-in-law
December 13, 1873.
You are going to receive, today, a small box containing the gifts of Jeanne and Marie. I send Jeanne a watch purse, an accordion and the volume entitled Les petits filles models, by Mme de Ségur. For Marie, two boxes of toys that aren't worth sending each other! then an alphabet.
I was about to write to you a week ago to ask what might have worked for you for your children, but I thought you would not tell me. However, between parents, we must not interfere, and I assure you that you would please me if you would not miss it henceforth. For me, I do not do ceremonies and I will tell you frankly what I want.
Céline would like a little car for her doll, that is to say a little rolling basket that you push in front of you; I promised her that her godmother would send her one and every day she asks me if it's New Year's Eve tomorrow! Thus, you would fill her with joy, by giving her the object of her dreams. For Thérèse, she is in nanny, let's wait until next year.
As for Léonie, she entered the Visitation in January; don't send her any stationery or work necessities, she has all that, it would be wasted money; only a book of piety, either an Imitation or a Christian's Manual.
If you want to fulfill Pauline's wishes, give her an Imitation as well, but with prayer and practice for each chapter. Above all, if they weren't precious books, it would be as if they had nothing, because they wouldn't use them until they were more careful.
Léonie uses a catechism in a month, to know nothing at the end!
Marie is out of the ranks; if you sent him gifts, you would greatly annoy me, and I hope from your kindness that you will not want to displease me.
I have nothing really new to tell you, except that the Château du Comte de Curial burned down the day before yesterday, in the middle of the night, and that it was impossible to put out the fire; it is completely destroyed. Another thing: the newspaper Le Progrès d'Alençon is threatened with being suspended and, for the moment, it is forbidden to sell it in public squares. This will not help poor P., who is already not too rich. !
I will also tell you that my little Thérèse walks almost alone; she still only has two teeth, she is very cheerful and very cute.
I will end by wishing you a good end of the year, that you are satisfied with your inventory and that next year will be happier for you than this one was.
My husband asks me to give you all his regards.
