Letter from Mrs. Martin CF 80
To his brother Isidore Guérin and his sister-in-law
July 2, 1872.
I received the letter containing the portrait of your little Marie, whom we all found charming; she looks reasonable as a big girl and looks much stronger to me than when I saw her. I sent the photograph to my sister the same day. The Visitation holiday is August 5th.
I trust that you will all come next month; the troubles did not come as predicted; now I no longer believe in it for this year and I have made up my mind not to rely on any prophet or prophecy. I begin to become very incredulous, I say that only God knows the moment and the hour; the others think they see something in it and see nothing. So then, I'm waiting for you all; you will, of course, let me know eight days in advance.
I must let you know of an event which will probably happen at the end of the year, but it only interests me at the moment. However, I would rejoice if I knew I could raise this little being who is going to come and settle in our home, this one will not leave as long as he and I are alive.
I'm better than last time, I have a good appetite and never have a fever. I hope this child will come well, misfortune is not always at the same door, finally, God's will be done!
Mrs. Z. had a baby girl last month. I haven't been to see her, and have no desire to go. Since her marriage, she seems to no longer want to look at me; I who loved him so much, it pains me.
Before she was married, she didn't know what kindness to give me. I think, now, that it was insincere and that she hoped through me to marry the cousin of Lacauve, whom she so badly wanted. But now she is no doubt too much above me; thus, she often comes to see the doctor's wife, who lives very close to here, but there is no danger of her entering our home!
It is singular, the world! This lady, whom she visits like this, nevertheless makes fun of her as much as she can, I learned that from the maid, and, for her part, Mrs Z cannot put up with her, but these are people who go together for ideas and tastes. All of this detaches me more and more from this false world, I no longer want to attach myself to anyone but God and my family.
