188 Boulevard Haussmann
Paris
29th July 1877
My dearest Julius
I had a very pleasant awakening this morning. Marie brought in your dear letter, which I thoroughly enjoyed reading. I think one reason that I like receiving your letters on Sunday is that I can answer them quietly in the evening. I was very vexed to hear that the glass of my portrait was broken, they cannot have packed it carefully enough, though as a rule French people are such good packers. I am glad that the pictures did not get spoilt however & that you like it. Papa & I had a nice walk after service this afternoon, it was warm but quite bearable as the sun was not shining very brightly.
You will be sorry to hear that Gus’ hopes of getting an appointment in Italy have come to nothing, so he is still quite undecided in his plans. I expect Fanny will be back in Paris Friday or Saturday. I shall be pleased to have her for her own sake & also because the time will seem to pass quicker in her society, & you must not think you are alone in wishing for September to come.
Two friends of Joe’s lunched with us, & one of them, Mr Hazelton also stayed to dinner, he is a very nice young fellow, an Irishman; he asked me whether I shouldn’t regret leaving Paris, & I couldn’t help feeling amused as I thought how little I cared; I shall feel natural sorrow at leaving Papa & my family but your love, my darling is far more to me than all Parisian pleasure, or indeed anything else.
I have had another wedding present, & a very nice one, I think, two fusain sketches most beautifully done by a friend of mine, Emma Burridge, they are a good size & handsomely framed in black & gold; I am delighted with them & though I knew she was fond of drawing, had no idea she had so much talent.
I am reading ‘Character’ now & like it very much, certainly Samuel Smiles has a flattering opinion of women in general. I must write to Charlotte & Grandma some time this week, I rather meant to have done so this morning, but it is getting late & I don’t feel quite up to writing.
We had a sermon on speech this afternoon, the clergyman told us we ought never to talk unless we could say something kind or nice or with some good purpose. I thought what a lot of silent people there would be if that was strictly kept!
I have just been out on the balcony to look at the moon, do you remember standing out there with me, five weeks ago, my love? how I wish you were here now, my darling.
Goodnight, my own Julius, accept the fondest love of your own affectionate
Eugénie Narcisse Mourilyan
PS I enclose Braun’s receipted bill.
