I can only give you the counsel which my heart suggests. You can appreciate better than I the means by which we may arrive at a prompt and complete rehabilitation.
But I may still say this, that the only thought which should now occupy your mind is this: the care of guarding the honor of the name you bear—this is to assure the life, the future of our children. This is the end necessary, and you must attain it, whatever may be the means. There must not remain one single Frenchman who doubts my honor.
Yours is a grand mission, and you are worthy to accomplish it. When honor shall be given back to us—and I hope for all our sakes it may be soon—I shall consecrate the remainder of my life to making you forget—yes, even you shall forget, my poor darling—these terrible months of pain and anguish; for, more than all others, you deserve to be happy and beloved for your great heart, for your wonderful strength of character.
Then, be always strong and valiant. May my spirit, my profound love, sustain and guide you.
My thoughts are constantly with you, with our dear little ones, with you all.
Kisses to the children—to all.
I embrace you with all my strength.
Alfred.
2 August, 1895, 8 o’clock in the evening.