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LETTERS from NANY to JEAN HAUSERMANN, 1928, excerpts - Jean Hausermann was in Bizerte and returned to France to marry him in Toulon in August 1928. Jean and Germaine Hausermann were in France later, at Nany's, av. de Longchamp, waiting for Jean Hausermann's new assignment.
For the record, 1 franc from 1928 is worth about 0.52 Euros or 3.4 Francs from 2003 - there is no inflation
Paris 5 January 1928
....Jean C. has hardly left the office (Paris)He saw your boss there. (Bertard) who confirmed to him that he had found the yard (Bizerte's, held by Jean Hausermann in the absence of Bertard) I'm glad, Jean, and I congratulate you, your dear dad would be happy. We wrote to Lardy to offer him Bizerte, I don't doubt he accepts, but Jean C. thinks he's still going to be here for a couple of months before he answers.
We're talking about big work on your side, the office is full of projects in the air, Spain, Portugal in particular.
Jean C. spent a great hour with Mr. Jean Hersent and the young bosses (Gilbert and Marcel H.)It was very little that it had already been in Rosario, Colonia, to say better, where the work was not working. Drion left after the case had been proposed to Sagne in Piraeus, who did not accept because of the very precarious health of the women. This request had surprised the greats who no longer understood it since Mr Jean Hersent had spoken of this to Jean C. But he had been wrong not to answer by letter and simply orally to Mr G. (Gilbert or Georges?) Unfortunately, or fortunately, this one had eaten the commission, it was concluded that Jean C. did not want to leave. There will be another big job of repairing docks in Rosario (80 million told us Flondrois Sunday by lunching with us) and there is a strong question of sending your cadets; the management of Rambourg is very discussed, and Barbet leaves there for long months, Gilbert will also leave there when he returns.
In the meantime, Jean C. and all his smalah will settle in Verdon where Bertard is trampling; but we don't know yet if (Jean Cordelle) Finish his job (from Grattequina) If you don't have orders in their time, he's stopped to finish his landing. He's not quite a bit of a coincidence with all this. I hope to talk about all this with Hébert that I invited to dinner with his wife for Saturday night (I received their faithful candy with a small work by Mrs. Hébert) and I can give you some fresh news from the office. keep communications with the Bordeaux Administration, about the Verdon, your brother-in-law is convinced that Bertard is not a man to give in on this point and he may not be wrong, but we must also count with the title of old X that Jean C.! Mr. Jean Hersent is decided not to take any more works controlled by the Bridges and Chaussées but only with the Navy, we talk about big works in Brest where the house will bid. Those of Cherbourg are still under discussion. B. (Benezeth probably) is very anxious to know what one thinks of the house there; she does not have a good press, and B. has recognized thaton It was awkward!
Paris 12 January 1928
...So Simone and the little ones spent the week with us, Simon made some mandatory visits, qq races, I gathered some friends in front of a copiously furnished tea, invited the Héberts to dinner Saturday night, received affectionate visits and it's all like joys. I wanted Simon to go to the theater but she didn't want to. They are well bothered by the news of their little sister. Gaby who had lunch with us on Friday – with Tantine – makes it hard to see! He is a skeletal thinner; walking, forced, despite an almost continuous intestinal and liver disturbance! And makes a blood of vinegar for his wife, whose condition he knows very precarious and which he retains only a low hope of saving. It is lamentable. She is now installed in one of Cambo's most beautiful apartments, with her mother, a good one... and all the comfort possible; during that time tightened her belt has returned her good and just spends the necessary to live. ......At the end of the summer, ...his tired husband (he spit out the blood) (a) consulted a doctor and the latter (a) The campaign is recommended...I don't know if the poor girl will be long enough, she's at the mercy of the smallest anicroche.
Jean C. is very struck and sorry, he looked good, his will asserts, and we knew by Hébert that he had very good press at the office. He went back to Bordeaux with Bénezeth, Hébert and a Boche (a German company was required to supply cement, with financing from war repairs) To discuss with the Port Autonome the last points of the Verdon. Bertard was in Paris, but these gentlemen seem to be keen on Jean remaining in contact with the administration, all X. It may not be so ill imagined, but Jean is convinced that Bertard will not accommodate him. It is likely that Jean will go to the Verdon before Grattequina is finished, but I remain convinced that he will go faster than anyone thinks in Argentina. T-I said that Flondrois told us that there will be the repair of the dock of the 3 , which slipped, and that there are 80 million works to do. ....
. . .I had Adolphe's visit, who came with candy; he must be rich as Cresus, for the 500,000F to put in a house to build do not seem to scare him and I must make him meet Bousquet, who is now alone wanting to take up the affair, his brother-in-law, Flondrois, another friend and myself recoiling in front of the contribution to be made.
Tantine came to lunch, always alert and going, it seems that her daughter disgusted with members of her party (She was with her husband Pichorel in the Communist Party, that's why Nany refused to see them...) The political system has been completely abandoned and is now concerned with feminism. Ideas She was the only woman who was a part of it. Robert did his business brilliantly, he just furnished his living room with nice furniture, and he started to take out his daughter. (Claude or Claudine, future Ms. Challier), to receive for her, and speaks about a cruise in the Mediterranean with his wife (q15,000F) ... I doubt that despite the nice business, these savings go hand in hand. J á go see them one of these Sundays , he is always a good boy.
...Good news from Mara, to whom her doctor said to come less often, that he was very happy, that she did not need Cambo (a spa in the Pyrenees, to treat tuberculosis, my aunt Suzannette Cordelle-Dessusy spent at this time for many months) This winter, and that severe hygiene will heal, may God hear!
.........I think I'm finally going to receive my processed Chinese vouchers, and I'm told that my account has just been debited from the transfer fee (foreign value) I'm pressing for the values and putting them in the safe, so they don't escape.. They're so travely. Rosario's accounts continue to run monthly through Bousquet, who also handles the investment, we have to have lunch on Sunday 22 in Fontenay.
The Post Office just paid me back 50F for Lyautey's letters, lost on the road to Piraeus, you see that I was right to claim. At the bottom I only did this on all sides and the strongest is that I won. I just had a deal with an insurance – domestic – about an accident that happened to a guy who had come to do a chore for an hour, fell off a ladder and had luxuried his shoulder. I was not wanted to be given anything by telling me that I was only entitled to a stove and f. from Ch... They forgot a little passerby who said that I could have them replaced. I called them back and I was right.
Paris Thursday, 19 January 1928
My John, well, here's the departure of your cadets for Argentina decided, things rushed in a few days and after a phone call between Paris and Grattequina, it was agreed that they would take a boat to Buenos Aires in the first days of March. I just received a dispatch from Jean M-announcing his arrival for tomorrow morning. I immediately wrote to Flondrois to ask him to come to lunch; I don't need to tell you that if I'm very happy to see Jean get along with his departure, I'm not much more disappointed. It's a slope to go up and it takes a few days of resolutions... Last night, Mrs. Jean Hersent, who just learned about the upcoming departure of Jean C. and Simone, came right away to comfort me. I told him that I didn't need any consolations because I knew my children were going out of their hearts and that their happiness was mine. His approach was no less touching and I thanked him....
Poor Simon is quite disoriented from this separation, John comes tomorrow to set the conditions; he would like a paid trip every 3 years – as is done everywhere – and their intention will be to do 2 periods, 6 or 7 years in Argentina. It would then be time to go back to education for boys who will be 12 or 13 years old. Here helped by the courses Hattemer, by correspondence, and by Miss de B. who had to train students, Simon will support without too much pain the education of the children. Jean leaves for the rehabilitation of the quay of the 3 who has one day slipped by the pressure of the lands. ....I suppose that Rambourg will keep the direction of it because it is still there; but it is also possible that Mr. Hersent has other views, in any case John will be paid in piasters and it is worth 10.82 at this moment. For the works of Colonia which are very badly worked, it seems, it is Drion who leaves to occupy it, in what days, I believe.
Simon will not arrive in an unknown country she will find there all the desirable resources, and despite the time, many people who have not forgotten your dear Father. Flondrois must give them qq introductions, and then there are still these good Martins where they will be welcomed as the children of the house (we had said that Martin and Angèle came to France, but we no longer hear anything). It is perhaps childish on my part but to be able to follow in thought, on the very place the installation of your cadets is a softening to my grief, (as it was when you left, my John)....
Paris Thursday, January 25, 1928
... well, here's the departure of the cadets for the decided Argentinian......I immediately wrote to Flondrois asking him to come to lunch; his advice will be valuable for the decisions to make...
Paris 26 January 1928
....Jean C. came to Paris on Friday and spent 3 days talking and setting the conditions for his departure. This will probably take place on March 13 by Bordeaux on the Mosella which takes 24 days with stops everywhere; or by a transport boat that leaves Marseille and arrives 1 day before the Mosella. Mers Georges and Gilbert who have spoken with Jean offer him 1300 pesos a month. Rambourg has 1500. Jean pointed out that this was hardly for a whole family, and he was told that the wages would be revised at the time of the dock repairs; then trust him; that his future was assured. He is convinced that one does not know what to do with Rambourg, he would like to go and he is not known how to take it; We'd like to send him on leave, and Gilbert wants Jean C. It is rather sibyllin and it suggests that these gentlemen do not know how Rambourg will accept the arrival of John. He has been assured that he will succeed, but all this is vague enough.
The worst thing is the health of little Suzon, he was taught the departure of his brother and it was apparently a blow to him. Jean went to lunch Monday with his brother-in-law, he spread very frankly near John, and he came home absolutely distraught, he was sobbing, the poor boy and so much that I said to him, "Don't go to Rosario if you feel your presence here is necessary, - if I knew there was a solution he would tell me, I'll wait, but what?" It's a very sad situation, if little Suzon goes away, poor Mrs. C. would be abandoned. I wrote yesterday in Bordeaux I'm sorry, but I really can't and don't know what advice they'll have. We understand the hesitation of this poor boy, whose only sister is very bad and who one week after they leave will perhaps learn the worst!
Mr. Flondrois came to lunch with us on Friday, and he, very paternally advised Jean on his future destination. He will write to Larquia, Bustos, Morron, Carteo, Sallovitz, etc., in due course, which will introduce Jean C. Moreover, from what point of view will we know who our Simon is, I believe they will be welcomed with open arms. ...
......did you get anything from Grandpa (Hausermann) ? I didn't say anything; but he wrote very Gently to Simone by recommending her sweetness and indulgence for the two little ones!....
Paris 2 February 1928Thursday
.....I'm waiting for Jean, Simone, and the 2 boys tomorrow, they're going to stay with me now until the big start. Jean and Simon after a few days here to put on a tailor and seamstress train will leave alone to move, go to Cambo say goodbye (!!) to little Suzon, and come back here for their last preparations....
...a good health, well cared for yours my John is an irreplaceable good; and if I was more quiet on it for your cadets I would see them leaving with less anguish in Argentina. (Suzannette Dessus) is still not bright, it has fever 38°6 to 38°8 Daily….
.....to the mail nothing transcending except a grandpa's letter full of gall, as he knew so well sometimes – why? I wonder, I had a hand in the pen to write to him that I was tired of feeling always shuddered, that from now on no d'es When I hear from them, they consider me dead or missing. It took the thought of your dear father so alive at this very moment, to stop my hand and consume a break that I want more and more.
My owner's case is over. outside the court hearing, between my confessor and his. He acknowledged that my claims were legitimate; they accepted everything I had requested, and even they would pay the bailiff's fees. Why did they not accept this transaction from the beginning that had prevented us both from paying costs?
Adolphe Gervais, who had lunch with Mr. Bousquet here yesterday, is not yet even with his tenant, he has the right end, and the court, in cassation, S.V.P. – supports his claims. Adolphe will know what it will cost him. I have had him meet with Bousquet because of this house to be built, but I do not know if he will yet participate......
...Supron (Suzannette Dessus) is still not bright, it has fever 38°6 to 38°8 Daily….
Paris 10 February 1928
...(Nany spent the anniversary of Daddy's death in Vierville)
....because Simone and Jean were accompanied to Vierville, they wanted to see the little cemetery, the old house. Their presence was hot in the heart....we made a short appearance in Cherbourg Tuesday to see the old uncle and the old Mara and we were back in the night from Tuesday to Wednesday to find our healthy marmaille.Simon is quite tired, I called good Dr.Artaud (did you send him a word on the day of the year?) who diagnosed a mild liver condition, but to treat. The poor sister is tormenting herself a little bit of this distant departure, but we must do well there and unless we poison our existence during the short weeks that will pass, we are obliged to make against bad fortune good heart.
Jean saw Mers Georges, Gilbert who were charming, the first told him that he was not sending him there to mystify him. Gilbert left in the first days of March. Your cadets sailed on March 20 in Marseilles, I wanted to drive them there and make a sign to little Maine so that Jean C. who did not know her, would not leave without an overview of his little sister-in-law.
I found it all in Vierville where our good people do everything they can to make me happy, thanks to their precautions the cuttings of the greenhouse did not suffer from the –14° that raged there in January, it was a disaster; I made to plant fusans, roses, persistent shrubs that will improve some corners, the tennis trees are superb, Jean C. n'en did not come back. The brave boy is looking forward to returning to Vierville during his 1ir They're going to take a vacation in the summer of France, and Simon filled his eyes with all that old Vierville.
.....The little ones are always happy to be together (Philippe, François and Michel)They're all sleeping in your room, and you have to hear this snuggle between these little ones, I'm going to enjoy it because Simon leaves me the two petiots and they leave Jean and shews for Grattequina where they're going to make their preparations and then for Cambo where they're going to spend 2 or 3 days.
...(Nany spent the anniversary of Daddy's death in Vierville) I found it all in Vierville where our good people do everything they can to make me happy, thanks to their precautions the cuttings of the greenhouse did not suffer from the –14° that raged there in January, it was a disaster; I made to plant fusans, roses, persistent shrubs that will improve some corners, the tennis trees are superb, Jean C. n'en did not come back. The brave boy is looking forward to returning to Vierville during his 1ir Leave they will take during the summer of France (in principle after 3 years, 1931, they will only come back 1932)….
...I finally saw the shape I've been thinking about my new Chinese, but there were still some coupons that were cut out in a rather obscure way and I didn't want to take delivery.
... Simon leaves me the two petiots and they leave Jean and shewish for Grattequina where they will make their preparations and then for Cambo where they will spend 2 or 3 days. Little Suzon is not in better condition, on the contrary, it's very sad...
Paris16 February 1928Thursday
... for the moment the cadets have gone to move and say goodbye to sister and mother to Cambo, they have left me the little ones, and I do not miss any work with these three guys, I beg you to believe it. I am fortunately assisted by the brave Martha and also by the good Juliette Battifol who comes 3 times a week to walk them in the woods. This allows me during this time to write to those whom I love and also to sew for Simon who is overflowed with work. She is still half well with a movement of the liver that curls the yellowness.
.... If you can come, why don't you find yourself in Marseille for the departure of your sister and your brother-in-law. They will embark on March 20 on the Florida of Maritime Transports (we have held 2 good deck cabins, they take a good one). J-a-a-a-bang will drive them there to enjoy it until the end, and bring your little Maine in so that Jean will see it at least before leaving. Brode on it if you can. ...We would leave Paris on the 18th evening to spend the day of the 19th in Marseille. I have imposed on myself the will to not think about it or at least to cast this thought away every time it comes back to my mind so as not to poison the qq weeks that remain to me to enjoy them.... (At the last moment, Toutuni will be able to make a quick return to Tunis-Marseille and will be in Marseille on 19-20 March)
Everything is going well in Vierville where our people are standing by to receive you, I am holding them in breath with the idea that you can come from one moment to the next, and I think my faith is that it may not be impossible. If you can come, why don't you be in Marseille for your sister's departure and your brother-in-law. They will embark on the Florida Maritime Transports on March 20 (we have kept them two good decks, they will take a good one). I intend to drive them there to enjoy it all the way, and bring your little Maine in so that Jean will see it at least before leaving. Broke it if you can...(At the last moment, Toutuni will be able to make a quick return to Tunis-Marseille and will be in Marseille on 19-20 March)
....I went this morning to the wedding Mass of d'Y. Braconnier. J-y found Mrs. Jean H. – ridiculous marriage – mass in music – great organs and choirs! The bride in satin dress with a long time of qq meters, 4 bridesmaids who have hung out, 5 superb cars at the door, meal at Bonvallet – that these people do not come to cry on their budget! And during this time Yvonne gets married with a pair of sheets and without furniture. It is ridiculous, they have there for some thousands of francs that they would have done better to employ their daughter's household. Finally, everyone does as he hears...
Friday, February 24, 1928Paris
...your sister wasn't brilliant when she left, besides the tiredness of the packaging, they had to go to Cambo, say goodbye! To Mrs Cordelle and little Suzon. I imagine what this separation might have been that leaves a big question mark. The sick girl was daily 38°6 to 38°8... take care of my Jean!...
...your sister wasn't brilliant leaving, besides the tiredness of the packaging, they had to go to Cambo, say goodbye! to Mrs Cordelle and the little Suzon. I imagine what this separation could have been that leaves a big question...
Friday, 2 March 1928
I'm also writing a little note from Mrs Cordelle, when you wrote her? Little Suzon is in a better state, but her condition doesn't always leave her worrying. Goodbye, Jean, I'm leaving you to see the cook who has nothing to do with a blue cord...
.....Flondrois arrived, it was 3h1/2, he left... at 7 o'clock. The brave friend came to confirm to your cadets the letters he wrote to Rosario and Buenos Aires to recommend them to some of our friends, and from thread to needle, from talk to talk, he spent his afternoon here. I would have well held him for dinner, but the domestic staff was reduced to his simple expression since Martha's departure called telegraphically to his dying father. I have only a maid since yesterday and I beg you to believe that the job is not lacking with these three little ones to dress, go out, get work, etc. Simone has not the right one who follows her and who will only join her in Marseilles, that of Bordeaux is already placed....
...many sick people around us, Flondrois is still very tired of a flu that he has treated.. on the roads with white wine, oysters and grogs;...
....I sent a letter from Martha Feuilrebois (remits the me) I had written to Alice (another sister from Daddy)After Grandpa's letter, that I had been about to break up with them all, that I was tired of wickedness and indifference. (probably paid by Daddy to his father and continuing) And also probably my house would not be open in Mauritius (Breakfast) shook your aunt, I just replied to her in a rather cold way, saying that there was no reason to go back to the past; I could not, as she does, assure them of my affection (she lies), I did not have the courage to do the same, she will take whatever she wants, it is absolutely equal....
I'm also writing a little note from Mrs Cordelle, when you wrote her? Little Suzon is in a better state, but her condition doesn't always leave her worrying. Goodbye, Jean, I'm leaving you to see the cook who has nothing to do with a blue cord...
Paris 8 March 1928
....a famous warning with Francis who made us 39.9° fever all at once, and just got an angina. For a child it is often the beginning of one of these childhood diseases, which would have been very badly come at this moment. We immediately called the Doctor, (the brave Artaud is in bed with a strong poisoning and mouth full of foot). Taking vigorously the fever has given up, and we are leaving for fear; at the bottom it is due to a carelessness of Tantine who came to lunch, and brought (to change) his little Micheline (7 or 8 years old, her little daughter, 2nd daughter of Robert Collard), this one was all feverish , ......... The little ones, those of Simon, may not be sick right now...
....The start approaches Simon and Jean put the double bites....John takes daily lessons d's Spanish, and then he goes to the office – naturally.
....The cadets are as eager as I am to know if you will join us in Marseille... it would be too beautiful!
The great Jean and Simone are delighted, the first had already touched 6000F on his management of Grattequina, Mr Jean Hersent has just given him 10000 others to be worth on the end of the regulation, you think if they have the smile! (Watch this for you) It is true that poor children need it as much as possible when they use it to buy as little as possible in Argentina. It is a departure that costs them! I know what it is.
I think I have tea to meet some friends on Wednesday, so I can avoid Simon having too many visits. (Parent) to pray to him to come with his fiancée.
Our three boys put the double bites and leave as little as possible; these days when they had to be separated were a whole affair and we had to hear the imprecations against the filthy microbes. Phiphi is sorry to see them too get away! But there is the attraction of the journey, of unknown, monkeys and blue butterflies that already haunt the minds of these little men. Simon wonders if it will be possible to take them to the Riachuelo (where one always extracts from the stone) and where Rambourg had built a small villa on the big beach. But he was installed there every summer, his dullity and her sister-in-law, alias Miss de Blagemont and her sister-in-law! Who had thought that the rigidity of the first had been accommodated by such promiscuity. John kept these gentlemen and Gilbert promised to see things fixed. The situation of the cadets, Simone's especially vis-à-vis Miss de B. will be quite delicate and it is difficult for him to go to her home, Rambourg being completely elected to live there.
I don't know if I said that Colonia's work was going to be cahin caha, in Paris we're not getting any news, no report there, Drion just left, the second part of the work for which we had submitted came to escape from the house that regretted it. I don't know what house it got, we spoke German or English.
The Martins, father and mother, must embark on April 7 for Europe, just the day of the arrival of the cadets, so they will not see them, it's a pity. Simone wrote to Marcel.Carlito is still in Switzerland.
....I saw them yesterday. (the Bousquets), I can't have them having dinner right now, the cook has no complacency despite the f. of the housekeeper who is helping, Martha is coming home tonight, I am not angry about it, because she is very helpful to me, but I expect her to come home tired of the hard ordeal that she just suffered, her father died suddenly from a crisis of serum and was buried last Thursday....
.....I said that I was being asked to give Martin a new power of attorney about ways to open up in one of the fields (in Argentina)I'm gonna make sure that this formality is avoided, always for the reason you know....
Saturday, 10 March 1928
....We would like to leave on Sunday 18th at 2pm to be on the 19th morning in Marseille, we will go down to the Hotel Terminus. The boat, the Florida of Maritime Transports sails on the 20th at 2pm, I will warn Maine. Telegraphy, if you think you'll come. I hope nothing will stop me from putting my project to execution, unless Phiphi is ill, which I hope not, but we all cough more or less at home, kind of tiring tracheitis. ...
Friday, 16 March 1928Paris
....Georges (Chedal) enjoys the presence of Marcel (Hersent) which, if he is polite, is just as rough and unsightly. He confuses everything, and the French Minister himself reported to Georges the other day. Your cadets are more likely to deal with Gilbert 1000 times smarter. Keep this for you. ...
Simon is in her trunks up to the neck I don't need to tell you, it would take double days, especially since she is at every moment disturbed by visits or races. They had lunch at the Benezeth on Tuesday....
Yesterday I had Adolphe and Gaby (Gabriel Dessus) This one just rented to install his wife who is in bad weather from the N.O. and that we will try here to completely treat a villa on the slopes of St. Cloud which costs him in the 15,000F rent plus the phone, the servants, the heating, etc. here is a small badly-kept household.
... we have lunch this morning with Flondrois and Bousquet, the first one takes us to make one of those little meals of which he has science, I plan that my dinner will not cost me any more today. The old friend had to write to a lot of people to recommend your cadets, moreover Gilbert H. is already there, and prepared to... welcome them at the arrival. Benzeth is convinced that Rambourg will not stay there, he let him escape the other day; it is obvious that his private conduct (he lives completely at Bazelle!) It is not necessary to have a good effect there where it is not more virtuous than elsewhere but where it is possible to look at it with a very Protestant rigour. It would therefore be a pretty situation for the younger men in perspective, and in a rather short space. Good. Emile Bénézeth has just asked to return, he is a little bit more comfortable with the Argentine climate, he says, perhaps also the director. The Lascours, brave people that your Father had all the time there, came home and lived in Bordeaux, they saw John who went to see them and when they knew he was going there their tongue was loosened in a frightening way for the reputation of the said Rambourg, which they left without regret.
ParisFriday, 23 March 1928
......I have therefore resumed my life, my Jean, but I need to resume myself. I count on the days of recollection in Vierville to help me gain my balance,...
....I stayed in Marseille for another day because I was too tired....
....A map of Simone dated from Barcelona arrives at the moment, the exit from Marseille was hard, everything was waltzy, trunks and suitcases, everyone sick, except Jean – fortunately the good weather came back, and they were able to get off in Barcelona. I hope your crossing was better...
......I have taken my life back, Jean, but I need to take it back. I count on the days of recollection in Vierville to help me gain my balance, I will have hope of these few days with you when I return to Paris! I intend to leave on Saturday 31 after having duly put my cook at the door...
Thursday morning30 March 1928Paris
….I also saw Tantine barely getting her flu back. Robert is lying with a lot of fever and angina, the little one. (Micheline) I wonder how our little ones escaped. Nothing new on Suzon, but I'm sure she's still in the room and at rest, what words of her last letter would have left him; she's not leaving the good little one, she's for 2 years to take the greatest precautions, it's not without much concern and if I didn't have Philou's custody, I'd definitely go out in the spring. I've got my old heart pulled and at the very moment!
….I hope, because the poor petiote was not yet very brave in her word d-Almeria, despite a less difficult sea allowing the rest of the band to take up its stings. She was still lying on the deck and the fur coat was useful to her, because despite the sun it was very cold. Poor Simon was certainly sicker with fatigue and emotion than with sea sickness itself. Fortunately her f. The room surrounded by great attention, John and the little ones were fine. ...
ViervilleWednesday, April 4, 1928
.....I realized earlier that a mail was leaving for B.A. tomorrow morning by Cherbourg... so I'm a little late....
....I had a little word from Simon yesterday in view of Las Palmas where they didn't hope to get down. The sea continued to be tough but everyone was valiant except our poor Simon. J-a-a-bout, she had never had the sea sickness, so I'm convinced that she is paying for the fatigue and emotions of the past weeks at this moment. They were supposed to be in Rio yesterday and I followed them step by step in this beautiful stopover where your dear Father always kept a nice walk.
I wrote to them last Thursday by plane. (many stops on the postal plane and I think the Dakar – Recife crossing was still by boat), it costs 10F 50 per 5g. But by bringing me with peeling paper, I could write them very long for this price. It is something that can be paid from time to time, my letter will wait for them to Rosario.. if all go well; what I hope for the brave airmen.
(in Athens) Oxford (Marcel Hersent) is still there, less unpleasant, but always as little d ́esprit. The cadets are lucky to be rid of them! ....
....The cadets had to arrive at BA but I am not sure. Jean C. had to telegraph to the office with the code, but this had to happen during the Easter days when there was no one, we forgot to warn. I wrote and I wait without too much impatience it is true because if there had been a nicroche on their trip that would have known.
.....I'm theirs. (Simone and Jean Cordelle left on March 20 for Rosario) wrote last Thursday by plane (many stops and I think the Dakar – Recife crossing was still by boat), it costs 10F50 per 5g. but by bringing me with peeling paper I was able to write them very long for this price. It is something that can be paid from time to time, my letter will wait for them to Rosario.. if all go well; what I hope for the brave airmen.
....nothing else here, before I left I dismissed my cook without regret, it's not that she was a bad girl, but she was out all the time, she seemed pretty caught that didn't surprise me, the place had good! I don't regret it! Here everything is fine, our people are working well, and the garden is in good condition, but the February frost has done a lot of harm, and I'm very afraid you can't enjoy peaches as you used to do, the fuss even seems to have received a blow.
The painter (another, the one from Grandcamp never comes) I have given a layer to the greenhouse, and also to the verandas (set in plan by the other) then to re-trap the old room of Suzon, and give a little shot of paint in these 3 small rooms well damaged by the little fingers. It will be done by the end of May, I will return here for the lining.
Dagoubert makes a good repair at the garage, from the shed and re-does a new door to the fenil; all this will keep things in order. Jeanne and Leon repaint the gate that was partly passed to the minium before winter. I therefore hope that when you come with your little Maine you will be glad to see that the old house holds.
However, I will have to worry about a good roof covering, for several years, repairs made to the roof are in spite of common sense by people who are undressed.
I also think that during Georges' stay he will be working on the installation of electricity. It must be done with a certain taste to not disrepair the kind of old house.
I saw our parish priest, the Collières, Mons and some good people of the village, all telling you all with affection. We almost hoped that your marriage would be here, and Mr de Mons was delighted, he said.
Few people in the villas....
It almost seems to me to see you here when I see the Philou, a huge spread in your hand, jumping, messing with you like a cabrio, he's as happy as you were here....
Letter to Germaine Saillard, Vierville this Thursday,(on 5 April 1928)
....since I arrived here I am in the midst of a physical and moral depression, it has been translated into a liver crisis, which may be closed, a lot of very unpleasant little miseries. I say this to you so that you did not want to have so long to write to yourself, but don't go to tell any of my exiles who would think I was really sick! ...... Tell your dear Mom that I apologize for having received it very badly in Paris, I really had a lot of ear – it's not yet over, and I'm almost deaf......
Vierville13 April1928
….I had spent a bad week, a bad time with a liver attack, a kind of boil – reported from Marseilles – in the ear that caused me tolerable pain in the head, and then morale was not worth a penny, I was in a sort of moral and physical depression that completely flattened anyway. Your good dispatch came to put things back to the point and the sun helping me to get back on foot as it is. Old Vierville was big and empty that he was served once again and I will leave here stronger.
....I had a "ocean letter" last Saturday, it's a rather long message sent by TSF, captured by a ship that put it at my disposal on arriving in Marseille, and it was said that the weather was splendid, the sea calmed down, the sea sickness disappeared and everything was fine.
....Nothing new here, I undertook with Dagoubert, Tual and the painter(de Trevières) qq repairs to keep the house in condition.....J'ai placed a barrier at the end of Coulmain's field (which leads to the sea) made straighten qq walls that needed cement. Leon and Jeanne repaint the gate (I promised them 100F).....
.....I said I had a Mirus put down. (in the currently occupied chambers) It makes them cozy for the winter, so much so that I think I'll set up a little living room next year instead of sitting in the small dining room.
Paris Thursday, 19 April 1928
...I finally heard about the arrival of our Argentineans on Friday, I thought the office was wrong and that they had forgotten to warn me, but it was nothing, we telegraphed the news immediately. So here they are on foot, hopefully everything will go well on this side.
....I need to know all of you happy to keep my balance; I have to admit that this one has been a famous blow; I even saw my old doctor Artaud on my way home, I was dragging for a few weeks, coughing again. He vigorously treated me, I am recorded at the apartment and my back bears witness to the quality of the mustard that Martha has heavily watered the cataplasms that I am given 3 times a day. In the event that there is a better feeling. I was re-hearsing a little bit of crying. Dr. Out here, he is very happy with me – me too – and I will have permission to go out on Saturday...
....In Vierville I left everything on track, the garden seems to be taking over, the little wood was delicious and I could flower your dear father's grave with the little flowers he liked.
...As I told you in my last letter, I had some repairs done and started in Vierville. The frost (-14°) caused damage in the water pipes in the house; the cold water pipes were well emptied, but not those hot water pipes. Dagubert son made a dozen welds, but we will have to be careful when getting the water up, I will advise him of the rest so that he is there at the moment.
I made a barrier put on the way to the sea, it's clean now. Piprel will put a fence at his expense. Pelcoq – the bad guy – seeks to sell his house, he is pretty bankrupt, and I had Mrs Cusinberche visit who offered me nothing less than to let him put a hut in my beach lot and rent it for Raoul Thomas. I refused it outright. It will soon be nice. She imagined to set up a tea room in the bihull where she lives (alongside our house) the service must be done by... Solange Thomas and the little children of the Marquise for the children of Vierville, she had painted and put on a huge sign to warn passers-by. I don't need to tell you that no one believes in success and that she is more crazy than ever.
......I'm looking for a cook, I've got a maid every day and I'm more quiet than I used to be....
Friday, 20 April 1928
…I also had a letter from Simon dated from Rio, the trip ended well, without a sea pain and despite a sharp swell.Passing the line in good order, ball, lottery, etc., passengers quite quiet so everything goes well on this side....
Paris 27 April 1928Friday
....a beautiful party at the passage of the line, cavalcade, joys, baptism in good order, which allowed the ladies to d'arborer d'affiliating jerseys, big ball in the evening, lottery, etc.. The cadets were quite apart from the other travelers as it is, but they were talking a lot with the Commander and with a certain General who was part of the Rio military mission and who knew your dear dad in Bizerte and Dakar. Now the cadets have arrived, and have to settle down, I suppose. But here is another one. ....So Hébert m-a said that Drion who had left two months ago to finish Colonia, was coming home, refusing to finish a construction project as badly started. We are pretty strict with him at the office, but he wrote to Hébert that Rambourg used men as equipment, up to the rope. It seems for example that the wagons of the career of the Riachuelo have the same grease boxes as the platforms that serve for loading, they are disassembled each time, immobilizing one or the other. Hébert assumes that once arrived Drion will be more explicit with the bosses. He asked me for the utmost discretion about what I am writing, because Drion wrote to him personally. But it doesn't just leave me thinking about Jean C. that we may be sent to Colonia. The work will be completed in no more than 3 months.nd The slice was given to another house, and the remaining hole to be made by Hersent house will only be able to be after the execution of this slice. , rather weird, eh ? Everything agrees to present Rambourg in a light of a little kindness...
.....Suzon has retained his passage for June 2, if it continues you will find yourself in Marseille, if you come... because I am really skeptical about your coming back, little Maine will eventually believe that you don't want to come back...
...Nothing else in Vierville where the work is done, I still think I'll go for a ride at the end of May.
Paris 4 May 1928
...I had the good surprise to receive a letter from Simon, I send it to you (resend me) it will give you interesting details about all those corners that you know. The Riachuelo himself does not escape progress. I am sure that there will be lost of its charm, and that the pond is no longer populated by strange and confident birds because no one was hunting them. At last I would like to do well that the cadets can go there every summer. Simon thought he went up his guard dress ofamazone....on horseback, and she had really disembodied lust with her panties and her big felt hat.
.....Flondrois is still in Concarneau where his house gives him "tintouin". .... Martin wrote to him that he was boarding with his wife for Europe on April 10, which he would see Simone before. I do not believe it, because your sister's letter is dated the 9th of B.A., his letter had to take Martin's ship, Italian ship 13 days between BA and Trieste, without stopovers. I don't know anything yet....
....The little Suzon has returned, and here she is in St Cloud with her mother and husband in a villa. She arrived rather tired, she weighs 36 kilos. I had these details by Gillette Bidel who is here and helped Gaby make her move. Gillette's wedding is by October or November...
...I'm fine though and if there was this bad asthma that makes his sometimes, it would be quite good; good Dr. Artaud continues to follow me closely, I see him every week....
...Tantine came to lunch with us Friday, Martha returns from a teaching trip to Germany, Robert works a lot and his wife spends idem, she just bought 7 dresses, model of great sewing, but the little one (Micheline, 8 years old)
is poor and Claude (19 years) I'm asking for shoes!
....Adolphe came to take tea with us, he gave me news of the greats: Jeanne does not cough less but she doesn't spit anymore, she is very oppressed. J-a told Artaud who said that it was a good sign of healing, asthma forming a kind of natural lung pneumothorax...I would like it. The Homet is increasingly mornified, more boats to unload; or so little and it is not without concern, what would we do with Robert if it stopped?
I was very afraid this week for our brave Pompon who is still very ill with bronchitis but which seems however well-founded. I had fortunately given Leon all the instructions for the case where the horse would be sick, he immediately wrote and telegraphically warned Génamy the veterinarian d'Isigny whom we know from Lison and who came immediately. Leon writes every day, and you have to see the seriousness with which he wrote....I would have been sorry to lose the brave animal we are all used to, and then it was your dear father who had bought me – finally it would have been necessary to replace it! I hope he will get out of it....
...I have a cook.
Thursday evening10 May 1928Paris
...Good news from Rosario, but I'm sending Simon's letter (resend me) she will inform you better than anything I could tell you, I'm not surprised that she saw Rosario with a lot of emotion. You'll see that Miss de Bl. is full of d'aplomb, I don't recognize the rigid woman who spoke of conveniences with a great C. and the situation of the cadets will be a little difficult in front of such unconsciousness. I advise Simone the greatest frankness and freedom, it's the only way to get away from it. And then it won't last forever. Flondrois to whom I read this letter entrusted that to the council of the Society, Rambourg was strongly taken to part by Barbet and himself, what I told him did not calm him, on the contrary, because he always has a tooth against his old enemy Miss de Bl. But keep this for you because what is said to the Council does not run the streets....
....but the weather has been cold, in the rain, and Dr. is absolutely defending me from being out. I am tired of taking so many precautions but as I have more than enough to treat myself, I have no choice.....
...I saw Tantine this week, she came back yesterday with a bouquet of flowers, the good Tantine, she absolutely wanted me to go out for lunch with her and her daughter who is still there on Thursday, but it was really too cold to get out....
....Flondrois will come Tuesday with the 2 Bousquet, my cook makes very nice cooking, it rest me from the ratatouilles of the previous one that I still do not regret....
....she was a little tired poor Mara and it bothered her, the oppression she feels is not made to raise her up, and the drugs she was given to relieve her have been flattened.
Pompon is out of business, I'm not mad at him, but we'll have to take precautions with him for a lot of time.
ParisSunday 13 May
…I had two letters from your sisters again, everything is fine, Miss de Bl.se clings to Simone with a diligentness that frolics unconsciousness. It is certain that she seeks to grab the cadets. Simon has seen all our friends Martin and they have a pretty house. Pellegrini with a garden for 250 pesos. Gilbert (Hersent) They've had their whole month in pesos, but Suzon complains a lot about Marcel's lewdness. (Hersent)- He's not his brother.
....Denise de Mons (Collars) - They're all right.
ParisThursday, May 17, 1928
....it's not like Gilbert who is full of attention for the cadets, introduced them, went out on various occasions, I got two letters this week, I send you the one that has the most details, but sends back the me with the others, Suzon will be happy to get acquainted with the life of our Americans. Thanks to Rodriguez who was all that there is more complacent they have a house with garden, Avenida Pellegrini 1681. It may be a little far from the office, but there are lots of buses or trams that put Jean in front of the office, it's in a very airy neighborhood (l-avenida is wide as l-Avenue du Bois here It seems to me that it's exaggerated?)and not far fromEl Parque I hope they will keep it healthy and that Jean will do his own business; I hope that I will not let you know that Miss de Bl. is in complete discretion, and Rambourg is not willing – and for good reason – to inform your brother-in-law.
....I also saw Gillette Bidel who gave me news of St Cloud, (time not allowed to go so far) they are not brilliant, little Suzon has fever every day, she has still lost weight since her arrival here and weighs only 34 kilos 300, Philou weighs more than 30! ....
....I am waiting day by day for Gilbert Hersent's visit, who promised to come and give me news, he landed in Lisbon these days where he must stay a few days before going back to Paris...
.....my asthma is decreasing and I hope to hold on to the right end, Dr. Artaud makes me undergo a treatment so energetic that it is sometimes tiring, but he has no cure and holds good. I make some shots, a real whip. Finally I plan to go to Vierville for Pentecost, to monitor the attacks of 2 painters who will lay paper and paint the 3 small rooms of the children....
...Mara wasn't very bright these days, the weather is so dizzy at home and then she took a drug that did her wrong. I hope it's only a passenger.
From Vierville Léon wrote that Pompon was again at the stake; it is therefore that he is restored. I had the grid painted by Leon and Jeanne promising them 100F. This had cost 770F a few years ago by the little painter of Trevières, I will have good for double now, you know that I still did not see the painter of Grandcamp. I took the one of Trevières who finally finished the verandas remained in the state for almost two years. I also made a blow to the greenhouse...
I am receiving an alarming letter from Robert, Jeanne is not at all well and Dr. said to warn me, I wonder what I'm going to do, I can hardly go to this moment when I have to take multiple precautions not to catch cold. I am going to ask Artault what he thinks! and write to Dr. Fouqué in Cherbourg. Jeanne is completely lying down, after which I see the heart must be very tired. That's where I am well tormented and sad, my Jean, this poor great has always been so affectionately good for us all!...
Paris20 May 1928
Jhe just saw Gilbert returning from Rosario who brought good news from our Americans...
..../ I just spent some ugly days, poor Mara was very bad, and the worst was that the weather was too cold and good Dr. Artaud was fiercely opposed to my departure, fearing that I would catch up with cold. He agreed that in case of serious emergency he said. Thanks to God the worst was avoided and poor Mara was raised by stings of camphor oil cholesteroin. She is at the most absolute rest, for example old Tonton does not leave her (The Homet is in great calm) but he is absolutely disassembled, so I am leaving tomorrow – with the permission of my Dr. A. I'm going to be fine except for a little asthma and I'm going to try to organize this new life for Mara. She just had a very serious heart attack that won't be without leaving traces (if she gets away with it). After that, she will need a wild life... until the next crisis that may be fatal.. All this is very sad, poor Jean! I'm leaving without knowing how many days, the Philou stays at home with Martha who will lead him Saturday on Petit Musc where he will spend the holidays of Pentecost, if all goes ..better......
CherbourgFriday, 25 May 1928
.......Good news from them all and also from Rosario. Jean as you will see, augurs badly from Rambourg and told Gilbert. I saw this one before leaving Paris, he came to talk to me about the cadets, what kind boy and good like his father and mother, he does not look like his elder and Jean is lucky to have to deal with him....
...because I am very busy near our sick man and his house. I have always only the f. of household that comes 2 hours a day – she can't do more! – and it is notoriously insufficient. So I am looking for a woman who would stay all day and who would care for our Mara and the organization of the house. This will cost what it will cost but I will leave alone at this price, poor Tonton, full of prevenances that he is for his wife, is completely distraught and unable to make any decision. What a brave but poor man!
Mara is better, the bites are back up well, and any immediate danger is removed, but the gravity of her condition remains....I saw Dr., she has a violent outbreak of tuberculosis that can squeeze for now but the future is very dark....She has excellent morale and in her bed that she no longer leaves, by order of the doctor, she knits and she reads all day.
Tonton Robert is at home continuously and is very concerned about material care, but here's another concern, Sauze who came to see Jeanne expressed the desire that I would go to their house, in fact it was mainly to tell me that Le Homet was no longer doing interesting business (since the French Gouvt maintained its iron roads with French coal) it was necessary to expect that the yard would close today or tomorrow. We were only missing this! Let's go to Uncle Robert. J-a wrote immediately to Adolphe who will arrive Sunday. I had already asked him before I left Paris, while the worst was to fear and I was amazed at the quiet answer he made " Whatever happens I can't leave Paris until Monday night....please do whatever is necessary if it is necessary" ...................it's good that he takes a little responsibility too; I'm crushed by the one who's got a crush, my Jean, your old mom can't! Fortunately, my health is good, if it wasn't my asthma stings that don't start to disempower, naughty girls....
I'd like to go to Vierville for two days if possible before returning to Paris on Wednesday or next Thursday. (Paris) where the fireplace set by Martha is repaired, and I would like the apartment to be pretty clear for the arrival of Suzon, which will soon be on board on June 2nd for Marseille.
.......Mara m-a entrusted a nice old wedding piece to serve if he could (at the next wedding of Jean Hausermann), and I will bring to little Maine some ivory-covered mass book that belonged to our grandmother (it can only be Augustine Henos, wife of Charles Weill) And now that Mara holds. We've all worn it on our wedding day – your sisters too...
ViervilleTuesday, 29 May 1928
...I left Mara less bad, because I dare say better, her condition is serious....
(Paris)Tuesday evening, 26 June 1928
.....I receive a letter from Dr Fouqué giving me some very bad news of our poor Mara – his condition is significantly worsening, my heart is getting worse, my legs are swollen, he adds that there is currently little hope of prolonging it for a long time. I do not need to tell you all my grief, but despite this sorrow I will not leave Cherbourg and will only leave at the last moment, I am much better, I no longer cough, and my asthma disappeared, I do not want to compromise this result, because I want to see your happiness, my Jean. If nothing serious happens, we'll go from Suzon and I to Cherbourg by car accompanied by the Bayeux driver....
Sunday 1ir July 1928(from Paris)
.....We had the Martins at lunch on Thursday (Flondrois is in Brittany) with Carlito and Totito. What a good time we had with these old friends so good and simple. I do not hope to have some of them on August 21, but they will come I'm sure you're right. In Vierville with their car, Martin is absolutely interested in it, and I see that he wants to bring your dear Father the homage of his faithful memory.
...Good news from Rosario but Rambourg is increasingly unpleasant, at this point that John went to work in the office on Sunday morning and entered with the key of Emile Bénézeth when Gilbert Hersent was there, as soon as he was left Rambourg defended at Benezeth to give his key to John. All of this obviously because the Cordelle do not see the mistress of that Rambourg. I agree with them no less, but it is not ...in favor of the gentleman and for the cadets, it is very unpleasant that Rambourg does not address John so to speak more and that he does not ask him for any work. This one is determined to return in a year if it continues...
Our dear Mara after having spent a very bad time seems to be moving towards the best. Her legs have deflated; I dare not believe that this is the end of this horrible threat and yet it would be the cardiac complication avoided for the moment at least. Your dear father whom I invoke with fervently each evening could perhaps have obtained from God a deadline for the misfortune that awaits us... She writes yesterday a long letter still full of straits the poor Mara, ....
....a letter Very kind by Aunt Martha (!) tells me about Maurice's eligibility for Agro, oral is in Paris... we know what it means! Your sister was in charge of writing that I was very tired, very tired and that we were very happy with Mauritius' success, but... Nothing more. I guess I was counting on to house this one, I don't care about it and it would be difficult for me at this time when the house is full to the edges, and we're leaving on the 6th and Martha didn't know the date of the oral.I didn't scruple to show them much more eagerly, but Suzon is far more fierce than I am!
I've arranged with my housekeeper who will come to clean you up when you go here with Maine, so she won't have any trouble cleaning, I would like these few days of Paris to be one of your most dear memories.
We had the Martins at lunch on Thursday (Flondrois is in Brittany) ... I do not despair of having some of them on August 21, but they will surely come to Vierville with their car, that Martin absolutely holds it there, and I see that he wants to bring to your dear Father the tribute of his faithful memory.
We got a good one with the car. I didn't find the Grey card, I don't remember the rest having ever had it, Leon consulted didn't find it in the car, so it took a duplicate, I'll leave you in silence the steps... the queues...
Sunday, 8 July 1928
...Good news from Rosario where our people are settled and happy with their home. They see themselves very much with the young household Tonazzi-Martin – and Marcel, which makes me happy, but the relations with Rambourg are very tense in that this one does not address the word to Jean or Drillon, that he leaves 5 or 6 days without saying where he is going, it does not leave to be very boring for John and that explains the collective resignations of all the staff. I hope that the business will settle down, but it is quite obvious that this is a situation that cannot last forever....
...From Mara the news is not much better, poor Mara weakens, it's very obvious, despite the permission of Dr. who allowed her to get up, she no longer wants to leave her bed by slamming too much. As soon as Pépita is restored, and I wait for the driver tomorrow (the charges are here) I think to go to Cherbourg in car. Robert leaves his place where he would have wanted to deliver the goods in a hand-held truck! ...I understand that he is looking for something else; given his few claims I think he can find. I am well tormented with all this, Jean!
...Gillette's wedding is taking place these days, exactly on the 12th....
... . The marriage of J. de Mons was made of 3, Denise C. n'a possible attend, one of his sons having had to be operated on the eve of a purulent appendicitis. It seems that at the time when you were waiting here, Jacques came to inform if you were there every day, not wanting you to take your meals away from their home...
...We had our wedding dresses the day before we left at 11 am, of course, oh this Schiff!
Here everything is well, the hay cut and returned, the house in order, the garden in good condition, our people are complacent, I hope that the summer will be quiet, we wait with impatience, we inform you with interest in the village, we feel that we are very much loved. I have not yet seen that my priest, the stained glass of St John the Baptist, which I offer in memory of your dear Father will soon be laid, but the blessing will only be for you present, so he thought delicately our brave abbot who sends you his affection ....
Vierville19 July 1928Thursday
...No news of our Argentineans this week, it seems to me long, provided that there is no sick person or that Rambourg has not become more abhorrent, here is one who could remember the welcome he received from us once!...
...We have not yet seen that Mrs. de Mons, our usual circle is not complete this year....
.....it's said that there are many people, but we don't notice much in our thebaide and it's so much better. An old Mr. de Ranville, the beach host, came to ask us to photograph the house and we wait for l'ami Flondroislundi for 2 days. He comes to take instructions for the trip to Toulon written.
......Mara ms wrote a long letter yesterday, I concluded that it's not going any worse and I admit that I'm very happy about it. When I last came to Cherbourg, I bought her a good chaise longue...Nothing else for Tonton Robert who you know is no longer at his leather dealer who......Don't do enough business to buy a boy racing.
J-d wait for the Spring to set up a washbasin in the bathroom on the mid-floor. Suzon has plans for paintings in the said cabinet, and finally we want you to enjoy my Jean, you and your little Maine in the days when I will have the joy of having you. For the moment Suzon and the little ones are sleeping there. J-d have paper laid in the old maiden's room in Suzon and take advantage of the presence of the painters to refresh the 3 small rooms that are charming now. They needed a lot of small fingers to have stripped the paper in many places, and then I wanted to keep this old house that your dear Father had arranged with such care and taste, so I would do every year that she could not look like all those old manors we know. Than's is rented for nine years to mixed English from Versaillais, they claim to have trouble seeing the end of their cleanings and that doesn't surprise me.
Our people work well, I don't have domestic worries, which is very important around us it's just a cry! The garden has turned out well despite the drought, the engine gives fortunately, but little or no fruit, even peaches that you enjoyed and the vegetables even have trouble growing. Old Coulmain, came to cut off the thistles of his field has eaten with us, he was delighted, he will have to go to Maine. ...
Vierville27 July 1928Friday
.... Good news also from Rosario, they all go well but poor Simon was tormenting herself for Mara. It's so far away! Rambourg is still so unkind, he shuns for 5 or 6 days without saying where he goes, letters and dispatches s'accumulate unopened, Flondrois is convinced that he feels his seat trembles. Drillon was convinced to stay there; it is not in vain, and only because he said he wanted to stay with Mr Cordelle.
The little ones are fine. Michel becomes a devil and stands up to his brother with a stubbornness that is worth slaps. ...
....All the health things that are good, even the one of poor Mara who doesn't get worse, there's even a slight better, she gets up every day in a long chair .....and where she's more "comfortable" than on her right chair. She just wrote a letter almost cheerful, and Tonton who adds a word to the post reassures me somewhat....
...we haven't had the courage to make our visits yet except for the Mons that I always see with pleasure, Jacques is expected these days with his wife and also Denise and his children...
...that little piece of woman (Bison's Brigitte by his brothers) The most beautiful smiles already go to the gentlemen. She did not leave the old friend Flondrois who just spent 48 hours with us before leaving for Belgium where he will return just for August 15. He was coming to wind for the trip to Toulon that he offered us to do with us in car. I confess that these 900 km of road have scared me. I'm fine and I wouldn't want to. flapie (?) in Toulon. He gave up without being too much a pious person to do this mode of locomotion, I am sure he would offer us out of pure friendship. And we will all leave 3 on the 18th... for Lyon! to make the trip in 2 times. It is quite obvious that sleeping in a bed – in Lyon – I will arrive in good condition in Toulon the next day, I don't know too much at what time 4 or 5 am, I think. We will find Georges in Marseille, unless it is you who finds it there. ....
.....you must also write yourself and right now to your grandfather and aunts in Nantes to invite them to your wedding. Simple formality but which must be done, they would not forgive you for not having done it. I had this week a word from Mauritius learning about its definitive success at Agro. He took a room at the University City (I am therefore quiet on it) but he proposes to see me a lot this winter. I am sure that we waited to make this decision that after seeing that I will not walk to have it completely at home.
Cherbourg on 1ir August 1928, Wednesday 4h1/2 evening
...I write near our tired poor Mara, I have been called by a dispatch from Robert since yesterday following a heart attack that almost took him off Monday night. I received the dispatch yesterday morning at 9:1/2 just time to take a suitcase to take the noon train. Martha msa accompanied, and her presence here is very precious in this distraught house, moreover your sister was more quiet than I do not leave alone, for she was waiting today for the teacher and at less serious events her presence was necessary in Vierville. I found our Mara very tired, the heart has trouble returning to its normal course and yet Dr. that I saw twice knew what to tell me about the march of events. It may be that our dear sick person is taking over for a while, it may also be that in qq minutes... I spoke to Dr., the sister, even Tonton, we all agree to let events go, unfortunately we cannot! that by caring for our best, poor Mara, but we will not change anything at your wedding that can't be changed. It will be on August 21 as it was set and in the same way it is not appropriate to mourn such a moment, my John, even with this pretext so distressing, so sad, does not speak around you of the health of godmother and let go, I will keep you informed.
We support Mara with champagne bites, some fruit juice, she had very great moments of fatigue, others where she is almost alluring talking about you all with a good memory!
I left everything in order to V. ....ta good letter of 27 ms was given when getting on the bus, ....
Sunday, August 5, 1928, 4h
Our Mara is not better, on the contrary, she will slowly weaken and yet the heart holds good enough that the Dr. and the nuns who help us do not foresee...the worst! right now. I had to leave tomorrow, I still stay one more day, I hardly ripped off from this bed where my poor big man suffers, it seems that my presence l ́id a little and then I left, poor Tonton will be very alone, because Adolphe to whom he has not yet answered... should he not be there already? He must probably be hiking qq part. ....
....I write near the bed of our poor Mara who complains slowly, it becomes difficult to feed her but she still has all her lucidity at times and smiles when he hears about you. Yesterday night she thought I was our dear mother... How sad to see that going a loved one. Tonton is well pained but very courageous, we are helped by nuns who watch every night in turn, and the brave Martha who is here with me. Be quiet for my health, I watch, I want to be valiant for August 21....
Mara left us the next day 6 August 1928
Vierville12 September 1928
....here everything is fine, Young cleaning Chedal left on Monday from the boss minette didn't come back yet – it's 4 hours! – would the unfortunate breakdown have stopped their momentum? I hope not, because they were very happy, (almost as much as you) to leave alone for their little hike, the little ones are fine, and old Tonton is preparing his departure, he leaves us tomorrow, I see him with regret towards the loneliness that awaits him. Nany keeps himself, Dr. finds him the bronches in a much better condition, but the heart is 20 years too old. I had to abuse it.
Vierville18 September 1928
Jean and Germaine Hausermann have just settled down on Longchamp Street, while Nany and Aunt Suzon are still in Vierville until the end of the month
.......The whole house is fine, the weather remains splendid, the little ones enjoy the garden and the beach throughout the day, Georges Chedal does not satisfy himself with "fresh air"!! and from sausage to the great dam of his wife who would dream of a thin husband, I expect news from my Americans and I have seen my Dr this morning who declares me unscathed with my bronchitis but claims that the heart remains unruly (he is right it is so boring otherwise).
We saw all our neighbours of Mons, La Heudrie and Godard on Sunday, as if they had made an appointment and leaving you will go with Suzon to have tea in St Sever. The bathers have fled, and Vierville is quite pleasant, we meet there more than the natural ones of the country, it's much better.
Jean, do you want to take the electricity obligations of the Syndicat de Maisons in Beaujon's trunk - I miscut the coupons that were due in July; there is a number (4, I think) that is attached to my left - you will cut me these numbers and send them to me as soon as possible. Tomorrow If possible so that I have this here Thursday morning to touch them in Trevières, the collector coming only on Thursday and Friday and this last day being impossible because of the market. He refused to pay me interest without that. Return the attached coupon. I will paste the missing end. I demand this right away because next week we will be very close to our departure and the car may be on hold. ...
Thursday(September 20, 1928, from Vierville)
....I've received your letter and coupons, (wrong with trick) I thank you very much.I'm glad that you're settling in and that Elise helps little Maine, I'm afraid to come back later than I thought because of the electricity supplies that are not there, but the assembler is here since yesterday.ir, Suzon, Georges and the little girl will also come home, I will stay here for 2 or 3 more days with Martha, the cook will follow with Xénia, is Elise free at this moment how many hours does she do you? Set up to your liking especially. Everything is fine here, Suzon is at the Heudrie, Tuesday we were at the Mons where we met the Bellaigue, she always as friendly, I am running away, it's time....
PS I'll send you a 10 liter oil package, it's paid
Wednesday, 25 September 1928(from Vierville)
My dear little Maine,
The old house is coming, and we are taking its winter quarters, because it's not hot anymore; we are sweeping, cleaning from all sides but in the middle of an unusual disorganization because I have 2 workers who work diligently to lay the electricity, this is not a small work, I beg you to believe. I do not think they have finished before Saturday or Sunday. It will take them to give a last blow of fion, that's why I will stay until Wednesday with Martha and the old Melanie to leave everything in order. But the boys are supposed to be Monday in high school, so Georges, Suzon, the 3 little ones, Xénia and the cook will leave at noon Saturday to be in Paris around 5 am and I come to ask you my little Maine to want to help Elise, of course, prepare a little apartment.
But tell me first, how you two are, my good children, not frozen by this sudden arrival of a well-cooled autumn. Have you brought little Maine, your warm dresses, and have you received my Jean the trunk with your winter stuff, I think you'd better take it up if she isn't there, because you can't be dressed forever like in Bizerte. In any case do not let yourself freeze in the apartment, you first have 2 oil stoves, and before leaving I had the precaution to bring in wood, the cellar is filled with it, so make a burst if you like, but be careful not to lower any chimney hatches under penalty of putting the fire to it in qq seconds. And God knows what aria it results!
So in a few days you'll be in the middle of your life, we'll take you in,... poor of you! I've had a package of pears sent out in good order to pay it and take notice of it. Tell Mrs Bonin that she will accept in your absence, the packages I'm sending you. He left this morning 2 bags of p. de terre, but it's in a small speed, you won't have to leave before us, and tomorrow 2 baskets of vegetables and butter will have to arrive Saturday and you'll only have to leave in the kitchen. The cook will arrange it. You want to have my little one buy by Elise at the market Mesnil Street 25 kilos of land that the merchant will have to bring home and that you will put in the kitchen. Then I will send you a grocery list to order from Potin who will bring you, (will you pay?). Finally that's why Elise will put the pot-au-feu Saturday afternoon so that when our travelers arrive the dinner will be partly ready. It would take about 3 pounds of beef – a flat of rib and lodging – Elise will be able to stay in the evening to help with the arrival and come every morning from 8h1/2 to 10h (since she is taken afterwards) so that at least while waiting for me to go home with Martha. I will then arrange with her.
You'll keep my room, my children, when I get back, I'll sleep in John's old room. But by then the boys will lie in that bed that you'll want to do by taking sheets in the right pile, on the 2nd floor.nd Shelving in my laundry cabinet.
The 2 beds that are in Suzon's bedroom will be transported to the living room where the little ones will bed on my return, the little one will sleep in his parents' bedroom in the small iron bed with the small mattress (Suzon will bring the children's sheets)
The cook who has a pain in his legs will lie in the apartment. Here are many explanations and I hope I have not forgotten anything, I am writing to you in haste, disturbed a thousand times... by everyone; so here is the hour of the mail, my good children....
This Thursday morning(27 Sept 1928 from Vierville)
My little Maine
I wrote to you so hastily yesterday that I forgot various things. Here they are very quickly so that I am not disturbed yet before writing to you (I am in my bed it is 9 am and we have already knocked at my door) so I forgot to tell you:
- Order 18 liters of red wine, from Nicolas – 2nd prices
- Get a can of oil from the color dealer
- Faire prendre 1 litre de lait pour qu’il y en ait à l’arrivée des enfants, le faire bouillir et commander au laitier – près de Casiglia – d’apporter chaque matin 2 l /2 de lait à la maison à partir de dimanche matin.
- Buy a good Camembert
Then I forgot to tell you that the Robert Collards have sent you here... 1 dozen knives and cake forks!! to your address. I just thanked them, Jean will have to write to him, but only when he receives them, waiting for you both to go there one day or the other.
Mr. Bousquet wrote, they came home, and that's another visit to be made, but maybe John could call him at his office 34.88 Fleurus to take news.
I write to you with the sound of drums, J.P. decidedly soul and character of a soldier, he serves very well, of his instrument. And the little one who asked for his had to go find one at his waist in the attic.
I hope you're not too cold, be careful not to catch a cold.
Always in a hurry, a thousand good kisses to both of you, your mommarg
I get your photos, my little Suzon will bring them back to you the number one and two are very good, especially the number two in my opinion, don't forget to score All my expenses.
Friday(from Vierville, probably September 28, 1928)
....I'm sending you this little note from Mrs. Lardy...
....to write to this good man (Mr. Lardy) who was a fatherly kindness to you, and telling him that if you stayed in Paris you kept an excellent memory of your stay there and you regretted it....
....I hope you're both better, less frozen? ??Here it is good, but the house looks like a capharnaum, Georges, Suzon, coconut trees, etc., you will arrive tomorrow at 4:40 pm and I hope to be able to do so on Wednesday, but there's nothing less certain...