Yesterday I was painting in oils, and I copied my sketch of the Sluggan, and, if it be in any way at all presentable and fit to give, I will send it to you. I hope it won’t be very Chinese, for our sketches had a certain likeness to works of art of that country. Louis is very busy here. He has begun his military duties; he has the command and _Verwaltung_ [administration] of the Cavalry Brigade. To-day he has to go to the Chamber, and he is going to attend the different offices--home department, finances, justice, etc.,--so as to get a knowledge of the routine of business. * * * Louis of Portugal and family passed through here yesterday, and went to Frankfort. I have inquired if they are there still, and if they are we shall try to see them. I am so curious to see Marie Pia. * * *
All our _Hofstaat_ [Court circle] lay their good wishes for Lenchen’s engagement at your feet.
We are so grieved and distressed at dear Uncle Leopold’s alarming state, and have given up all hope, the accounts are so bad. Oh, were there but a chance for you, or for any of us who love him so dearly, to be near him during his last hours!
Many thanks for your letter. Alas, alas! beloved Uncle Leopold is no more! How much for you, for us, for all, goes with him to the grave! One tie more of those dear old times is rent!
I do feel for you so much, for dear Uncle was indeed a father to you. Now you are head of all the family--it seems incredible, and that dear Papa should not be by your side.
The regret for dear Uncle Leopold is universal--he stood so high in the eyes of all parties; his life was a history in itself--and now that book is closed. Oh, it is so sad, and he is such a loss! I am almost glad this sorrow has fallen into those days already so hallowed by melancholy and precious recollections. How I recollect every hour, every minute of those days. In thinking of them one feels over again the hope, the anxiety, and lastly the despair and grief of that irretrievable loss. The Almighty stood by you and us, and enabled us to bear it, for I always wonder that we lived through that awful time.
The future world seems so like a real home, for there are so many dear ones to meet again. There is something peculiarly sad in the death of the last one of a large family--to feel that none is left to tell of each other, and of their earlier life, which the younger ones could know only through their lips.