Thursday, 13 December 1877

Breslau and Schaeppi attended the anatomy lesson with me.
Grand-papa is if not better at least no worse, and la Fayet came this morning because one had written to her that we would not be coming this evening — nonetheless Maman went, to please me. You understand: I want to do nothing either for or against, since if it comes to nothing one is humiliated by having gone to the expense. Maman now knows the prince. It was a very intimate tea; Baron d'Alt (who has come several times since Grand-papa has been ill) and the prince escorted Madame my mother to her carriage, the latter opening the door bareheaded.
Here is what the most celebrated of all the Marcuards writes to me.
Wednesday, 12 December 1877
Dear Mademoiselle Marie,
I am obliged to leave today for Berne, having urgent news from my father. I shall try to return next week, if possible.
Write to me, I implore you, to tell me how your grandfather is.
I take the greatest share in your family's affliction, and form every wish for an improvement in his condition.
My address remains c/o Marcuard & Co., Berne.
Your most devoted and affectionate,
F. de Marcuard