We returned at midnight in brilliant sunshine; in fact, at present we constantly see the sun when the sky is clear. He is describing a circle, of which the _Virgo_ appears to be the centre, and the sunshine is sometimes very hot. This morning the temperature was 68° Fahr. in the sun, and 41° Fahr. in the shade. The work of erecting the shed is being pushed on as quickly as possible, but it is a gigantic task. To-day they have reached the second storey; there are to be two more storeys above that, and these are the most difficult ones to erect. In the midst of this feverish work the days pass anxiously by, for I have had no news from Europe. I am already much perturbed, when at last, on the night of July 12th, after a very dull day, the watch all at once signals the arrival of a small sloop, which is sure to bring our mail. In a few moments everybody is on deck, and the captain of the small boat, the _Express_, hands us an enormous bundle of letters, which Andrée distributes among us. I received fourteen, and it would be difficult for me to express the joy I felt at this moment. The _Express_ brings six English and German tourists, who have come, somewhat early, to be present at the departure of the balloon. They are received on board the _Virgo_, and evince a very lively interest in Andrée’s project. VI National Fête _On board the “Virgo,” July 14th, at night._—The bad weather continues, and the squall is so violent that the little sloop _Express_ has been unable to put to sea. We have a very gay lunch. Andrée made a little speech, which greatly moved me. He spoke of the national fête in France and of aerostation, which I represent. He praised the self-denial which I had exhibited, and finally expressed to me the pleasure he felt in seeing the bonds of friendship becoming closer day by day. He did not forget either family or friends. The captain ordered the French _tricolore_ to be hoisted on the mainmast and the ship to be dressed with bunting. Champagne sparkled in the glasses. [Illustration: ARRIVAL OF THE CAR.] Strindberg played the national air, and those present overwhelmed me with kind attentions. The following letter will give an idea of the close friendship which reigned amongst us:— “On Board the _Virgo_, Dansk-Gatt, _July 14th, 1896._ “To MADAME LACHAMBRE, Paris. “DEAR MADAME,—