“_28th October 1861._--Dear Louis,--Did I not know what a terrible effect disappointment has on even the best characters, I should really feel inclined to let you have some home truths. You have wounded me mortally with a deliberate calmness that shows you were master of your language. But I can forgive, for you are not a bad son after all. “You go too far. Is it my fault that I am not rich, that I could not let you live idly in Paris with a wife and children? Is there a shadow of justice in reproaching me as you do? For nearly three months you keep silence, then comes this ironical letter! My poor dear boy, it is not right. “Don’t worry about your debt to the tailor; send me the bill and I will pay him. “You ask me to beg a post for you. From whom? You know there never was a more awkward man than I at asking favours. “Good-bye, dear son, dear friend, dear unlucky boy--unlucky by your own fault, not by mine.” * * * * * “_17th June 1862._--You have received my letter and telegram,[27] but I write to ask whether you can come to me in Baden on the 6th or 7th August, as I know you would enjoy hearing the last rehearsals and first performance of my opera. In my leisure moments you would be my companion, you would see my friends, we should be together. “Could you leave your ship so near its date for sailing? “I am not sure how much money I can send you. The expenses of that sad ceremony--the transference from St Germain--will be great. “I am rather afraid, too, of trusting you in a gambling town, but if you will give me your word of honour not to stake a single florin I will trust you. “My mother-in-law came back yesterday just after I had left home to find only her daughter’s body. She is nearly frantic and is constantly watched by a friend who came to our help. Think of the anguish! Write soon, my dear, dear boy.” * * * * * “BADEN, _10th August 1862_.--_Beatrice_ was applauded from end to end, and I was recalled more times than I could count. My friends were delighted, but I was quite unmoved, for it was one of my days of excruciating pain and nothing seemed to matter. “To-day I am better and can enjoy their congratulations. “You will be pleased too, but why have you left me so long without a letter? Why do they keep transferring you from boat to boat? Do not write here again as I soon go back to Paris. Now I am called and must go and thank my radiant singers.” _To_ H. FERRAND. “PARIS, _21st August 1862_.--I am just home from Baden, where _Beatrice_ obtained a real triumph. “I always fly to you, be my news good or evil, I am so sure of your loving interest. Would you had been there! it would have recalled the night of the _Childhood of Christ_.