188 Boulevard Haussmann
Paris
25th July 1877
My darling Julius,
I suppose you will be looking for an answer to your long letter, which I was very pleased to receive yesterday evening. I was very much disappointed at not getting one in the morning, as that is my usual time for receiving them, thought I should have to wait another day, & to say the truth, felt rather cross. Your dear loving words soon put me in a better temper however, my darling, how thankful I am to feel that I have all your love.
I suppose by this time you have my portrait, it was very much approved of here, Papa thought it a capital likeness. I like so much to look at yours it seems almost to speak to me (& I do speak to it). I made Joe hang it up for me this morning in my room, it is just over my bed, so I shall see it the first thing in the morning. I received your cheque safely, & have asked Gus to go & pay the bill today, when I have it receipted I will send it back to you. I also asked him to order some more vignettes, I should very much like to know who are the numerous people who take sufficient interest in me to care to have my likeness; I was rather wondering how you would dispose of twelve!
Fancy you saying the roses seemed to be appreciated! Of course they were, being sent by you was sufficient guarantee for that, even if I were not fond of flowers, which I am. If you do take the trouble to send me any more, I would like you to put in one from my own tree, at least if there are any blooms left on it now.
I have heard from Fanny, they were in the Splugen Pass, and on their road to Bellagio; what a lovely trip they must be having! I expect her Friday week. I don’t seem to have any news whatever to tell you, my letter will be rather stupid, I fear but you will excuse it.
Have you read ‘Daniel Deronda’ by George Eliott? I am deeply interested in it at present, it is rather peculiar but a clever book, I think.
If fine Joe & I will think of going to see Ned & Martha this evening. I have not seen the former since his return from the Tyrol. Tom has just gone to England where, I don’t know, as he did not take the trouble to come & see me before he left. I want to write to Polly so must close my letter. I am remembering last month was your birthday & that we were together. If by any chance, we do not get back to England, you will have to come over here again in September. I count the weeks till then, & shall be glad when I can say “next month”.
Goodbye my own Julius, ever believe in the love of your own
Eugénie Narcisse Mourilyan
P.S I hope they packed the picture properly & that it did not get damaged.
