Telegram.
November 15th.
My precious May no better; suffers so much. I am in such horrible fear. Irène and Ernie fever less. Ernie’s throat very swelled. Louis no worse; almost no spots. Aliky recovering.
Evening.
Darling May’s state unchanged; heart-rending. Louis’ fever and illness on the increase. The others, as one could expect; all severe cases. May’s most alarming.
The sympathy with the Grand Duchess in her great anxiety was universal. In many of the churches special services were held, praying for the recovery of that dearly beloved family. The well-known suffering state of the Grand Duchess’ own health, so sorely tried at this moment, caused the gravest fears to be entertained on her own account.
On the morning of the 16th of November sweet little Princess “May”—the Princess’ sunshine, as she ever called her—was taken from her doting parents. The Grand Duchess telegraphed as follows to her mother:
November 16th.
* * * Our sweet little one is taken. Broke it to my poor Louis this morning; he is better; Ernie very, very ill. In great anguish.