It is this feeling, associated with all my duties, that has made me live; it is this feeling also that has made me ask once more for you, for you all, every co-operation, a more powerful effort than ever on the part of all in a simple work of justice and of reparation, by rising above all question of individuals, above all passions. May I still tell you of all my affection? It is needless, is it not? for you know it; but what I wish to tell you again is this, that the other day I re-read all your letters in order that I might pass some of the too long minutes near a loving heart, and an immense sentiment of wonder arose in me for your dignity and your courage. If the trial found in great misfortunes is the touchstone of noble souls, then, oh, my darling, yours is one of the most beautiful and the most noble souls of which it is possible to dream. You must thank M---- for his few words; all that I can tell him is in your heart as it is in mine. Then, my darling, always and again, Courage! As I told you before my departure from France a long time ago, alas! a very long time, our own selves should be entirely secondary; our children are the future; there must remain no spot upon their name; no cloud must hover, not even the very smallest, over their dear heads. This thought should dominate all else. I embrace you, as I love you, with all my strength, as also our dear and adored children. Your devoted ALFRED. * * * * * _24 November, 1897._ Dear Lucie: All these months I have written you many long letters, in which my oppressed heart has unburdened itself of all our too long-endured common sorrow. It is impossible to disengage the mind from its _ego_ at all times; to rise above the sufferings of every instant. It is impossible that all my being should not quiver, should not cry aloud with anguish at the thought of all you suffer, at the thought of our dear children; and if when I fall I again and again raise myself up, it is to send forth the thrilling appeal for you, for them. Though my body, my brain, my heart, everything, is worn out, my soul remains intangible, ever ardent, its determination unshaken and strong in the right of every human being to have justice and truth for himself, for those who belong to him. And the duty of every one is to co-operate in every effort, by every means, toward this single object--justice and reparation; to put an end at last to this appalling and too long-continued martyrdom of so many human creatures. I wish, therefore, my good darling, that our terrible tortures may soon be ended. I have received during the month letters from your dear parents from all our family. I have answered them. My best kisses to all. And for you, for our children, all the tenderness of my heart, all my love, all my thoughts, that never leave you for one single instant. A thousand kisses more. ALFRED. * * * * * _6 December, 1897._