light. In your turn, my darling, do all that is humanly possible to discover the truth. A wife and a mother yourself, try to move the hearts of wives and mothers, so that they may give up to you the key of this dreadful mystery. I must have my honor if you want me to live. I must have it for our dear children. Do not reason with your heart; that does no good. I have been convicted. Nothing can be changed in our tragic situation until the decision shall have been reversed. Reflect, then, and pursue the solution of this enigma. That will be worth more than coming here to share my horrible life. It will be the best, the only means of saving my life. Say to yourself that it is a question of life or death for me, for our children.
I am incapable of writing to you all. My brain will bear no more; my despair is too great. My nervous system is in a deplorable condition, and it is full time that this horrible tragedy should end.
Now my spirit alone is above water.
Oh, for God's sake, hurry, work with all your might!
Tell them all to write to me.
Embrace them all for me; our poor darlings, too.
And for you a thousand tender kisses from your devoted husband,
Alfred.
When you have some good news to announce to me send me a dispatch. I am waiting for it day by day as for the Messiah.
15 March, 1895.
My Darling:
As I cannot send this letter until to-day I hasten to talk to you a little longer. I shall not speak of my ap-
