“I stayed long enough to see my elder niece married. Thirty-three relations came from all parts to the wedding--but _one_, alas! was missing. “The one I most rejoiced to see was my old uncle, the colonel. He is eighty-four. We both wept on meeting; he seemed almost ashamed of still being alive--how much more, then, should I! “I spend most of my time in bed, but the Grand Duchess Helen is coaxing me to get up and go to St Petersburg. She wishes to see me and I have agreed to go on the 15th November and conduct six concerts. Best wishes to you both.” _To_ M. AND MME MASSART. “PARIS, _4th October 1867_.--Yes, it is quite true. I am going to Russia. The Grand Duchess Helen was here the other day and made me such generous proposals that, after some hesitation, I accepted. I am to conduct six Conservatoire concerts; five of the grandest works of the great masters and the sixth entirely of my own compositions. “I am to have rooms in her palace and the use of one of her carriages; she pays all my travelling expenses and gives me fifteen thousand francs. “I shall be tired to death--ill as I am already. Will you not come too? You should play your jovial Bach concerto in D minor and we would enjoy ourselves. “Three days ago an American,[33] hearing that I had accepted the Russian engagement, came and offered me a hundred thousand francs to go to New York next year. What do you think of that? Meanwhile, he has had a bronze bust of me cast, to place in a splendid hall that he has built over there. “If I were younger it would please me greatly. “My mother-in-law thanks you for your kind messages. Are you not ashamed of slaughtering pheasants? It is a noble thing, forsooth, to go out into the poultry yard and kill off the chickens!!! Despite all, my friendship holds good, faithful and warm. Each day I appreciate more thoroughly your loving hearts.” _To the Same._ “PARIS, _2nd November 1867_.--How are you, my lord and my lady? “How is your house? “Have you forgotten your French? “Have you forgotten your music? “Have you forgotten how to write? “Have you forgotten that you hear of nothing? “Have you forgotten that we have forgotten you? “Can you believe that we get on perfectly well without you? “Can you believe that you are.... “Out of fashion? “Good-night.” * * * * * “_2nd November._--Day of the dead, and, when one is dead, one is dead for a long, long time.” _To_ H. FERRAND.[34] “_22nd October 1867._--Dear Humbert,--Here is the letter you asked me to return. Only a line to-day as I took laudanum last night and have not had time yet to sleep it off. I had to get up this morning to do some necessary business.