Why does he tarry?
XXXVI
ESTELLE ONCE MORE
To M. and Mme Massart.
“Paris, August 1864.—Yes, really and truly! Marshal Vaillant has written a charming letter to tell me that the Emperor has appointed us officers of the Legion of Honour[30]—yes, madame, both you and me. So arrange about changing your ribbon, etc.
“You would not go and dine with the Minister. Sixty of us were there, including His Excellency’s dog, who drank coffee out of his master’s cup.
“A great author, M. Mérimée, said to me:
“‘You ought to have been made an officer long ago, which shows that I am not in the Ministry.’
“You see I am a little better to-day and therefore more idiotic than usual; I hope this will find you the same.
“Paris is en fête and you are not here! The Villerville beach must be very dismal, how can you stay on there?
“Massart goes shooting—he kills sea-gulls or perhaps an occasional sperm-whale—God only knows how you kill time! You have deserted your piano and I would not mind betting that when you come home you will hardly be able to play that easiest of scales—B natural major!