* * * * *
_Sunday, 17 December, 1894._
My dear Lucie:
I do not know that this letter will reach you to-day, for the
post-offices are closed, but I will not let the day pass without
writing you one word. I am happy to know that you are surrounded by all
the family; your grief must be less great, for nothing is more
sustaining than such love as is being shown to you.
As to me, my darling, do not give way to any feeling of anxiety.
I am ready to appear before my judges; my mind is tranquil. I am ready
to face them as I shall one day stand before God, my head high, my
conscience pure.