Three months have passed now (since Revolution)!! The people were promised that they would have more food and fuel, but all has become worse and more expensive. They have deceived everybody--I am so sorry for them. How many we have helped, but now it is all finished....
It is terrible to think about it! How many people depended on us. But now? But one does not speak about such things, but I am writing about it because I feel so sadly about those who will have it more difficult now to live. But it is God’s will! My dear own, I must finish now. Am kissing you and Titi most tenderly. Christ be with you.
“Most hearty greetings”--(from the Czar).
Heartiest thanks for letter of the 21st. Cannot write--he has no time to read (“he”--Colonel Kobilinsky, Revolutionary Commandant of the Palace), the poor man is so busy all the time that he is often without lunch and dinner. Am pleased have made his acquaintance. E. S. has seen you (“E. S.”--Doctor Botkin). I am so pleased that you know all about us.
Will remember your last year’s trip. Do you remember? Have not been quite well lately--often had head and heartache. My heart was enlarged. Am sleeping very badly. But never mind--God gives me His strength. Have brought the ikon of Snameni (of God Mother). How thankful I am that this was possible, at this day dear to me (birthday of Tsarevitch). I prayed hard for you and remembered how we used to pray together before it. How Tina (Anna Virouboff) will now suffer--without anybody in the town and her sister in Finland and her friends going so far away (meaning herself)--how much people have to suffer--the path of life is so hard. Please write to A. W. (Colonel Siroboyarski--one of the wounded officers) and send him heartfelt greetings and
[Illustration: I.--PART OF THE LETTER DATED JUNE 5/18, 1917
(Time of Kerensky’s first unsuccessful offensive)]
[Illustration: II.--PART OF THE LETTER DATED JUNE 5/18, 1917]
blessings ✠--kiss you most tenderly and the darling Titi (my son). God preserve you and the Holy Mother.
I remember--Faith, Hope, Love--that is all, all in life. You understand my feelings. Be brave. Thank you most heartily. All touched by your little ikons--will just put it on. Ask Rita (Miss Hitrovo) to write to the mother of your countryman (Colonel Siroboyarski).