18 September.

I did well to write to my aunt. If I had not done so she would have

come here. She writes thus:--

"Your letter came to hand the same day that Celina and Aniela arrived.

How are you now, my dearest boy? You say that you are all right, but

is that really and truly so? What did the doctors in Berlin say, and

how long do you think of remaining there? Send me a telegram whether

you are still there, and I will come to you at once. Celina says you

went away so suddenly that she and Aniela were terribly frightened. If

you had not mentioned that the doctor most likely will advise a sea

voyage, I should have started off at once after receiving your letter.

It is only some fifteen hours by rail, and I feel stronger than ever.

The congestions I used to have have not returned. I am very anxious

about you, and do not like the idea of the sea at all. You are used to

that sort of thing, but I shudder at the thought of ships and storms.

Celina is quite well, and Aniela fairly so. I hear that you have been

told the news. Before leaving Vienna they consulted a specialist, and

he said there was no doubt whatever about Aniela's state. Celina is

overjoyed, and I too am glad. Perhaps this will induce Kromitzki

to give up his speculations and settle at home. Aniela will now be

altogether happy, having an aim in life. She looked rather tired

and as if oppressed when she came back, but that may be only the

consequence of the journey.

"Sniatynski's child has been very bad with croup, but is better now."

Reading my aunt's letter gave me the impression that there is no room

for me among them, especially near Aniela. Even my memory will soon

become unpleasant to her.

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