I have been very sick, my dear papa, and I am still far from well and very weak. I have what they call sickness of the nerves. It is a disease of which people cannot help seeing the effects, but the causes, I believe, have not yet been discovered, since there are no known remedies, and we are still trying out palliatives. It is said to be due to an excessive sensitivity. Some women simulate it in order to arouse interest. Many people make fun of this disease and do not believe in it. Those who are really attacked by it suffer cruelly and are terribly unhappy! Depression, deep melancholia are the sequel of such attacks; everything tires you, everything distresses you, you can hardly think. But in me is left, and will always remain, the capacity to love you tenderly, to be deeply moved by your friendship. You came to see me twice; I receive no one, but it grieved me that you were treated like everyone else. I had strongly urged that you be allowed to enter when you came. Come as soon as you are able; you will give me very great pleasure. Farewell, my dear papa; I am, with the most inviolable attachment, your very humble and very obedient servant