The noise of your success with Hérodiade reaches me; but I lack that of the work itself, and I shall go to hear it as soon as possible, probably Saturday. Again new congratulations, and
Good luck to you,
CH. GOUNOD.
Meanwhile Marie Magdeleine went on its career in the great festivals abroad. I recall the following letter which Bizet wrote me some years before with deep pride.
Our school has not produced anything like it. You give me the fever, brigand.
You are a proud musician, I'll wager.
My wife has just put Marie Magdeleine under lock and key!
That detail is eloquent, is it not?
The devil! You've become singularly disturbing.
As to that, believe me that no one is more sincere in his admiration and in his affection than your,
BIZET.