Yvette to Henri.

Vienna 11 July

You are spoiling me darling, a letter yesterday and a telegram today. Make no mistake I am a lucky woman. But, my friend, you will spend all you money! I wish I could reply by telegram but I am poor at the moment so I am forced to write. I feel clearly that these two last telegrams are the kisses you sent on receiving my letters. Besides, the address is quite correct which shows that you have received at least some of my letters. Which makes me very happy. Happy to know that you are glad. For it’s true isn’t it darling, you are glad that I love you? […]

The race has been very long and now we are at the end of our hearts’ race. […] You say that Vienna is lucky to have me. But you are wrong; Vienna doesn’t “have me”. Its streets and countenances are only empty shadows. It is you who have me. Do you feel it? His evening we won’t talk, we won’t think. We won’t go walking. No. We will love each other madly and silently. Words will not be necessary. There will be nothing but love and passion, tenderness and kisses. If we conceived a child tonight it would be a child of passion and of love. A girl, simple and strong, with eyes filled with the strong pure water of our bodies, with rolling hips and a peaceful manner; a girl who would love as soon as she became a woman and who would give us, poor parents, plenty of solicitude!  Do you think perhaps that it would be better not to conceive her tonight?  Tell me darling, are you still melancholy and sad? Or rather only joyful and filled with anticipation of joy? […]

Tell me darling of your plans. I am more and more hanging in limbo because you seem to want to live in Poland. And I well understand why. It is an interesting country. And what Poland gives you, could France give you? But my little Ouri, have I the right to uproot him again? How I want to talk to you! I am sure that you would work out a good solution and carry it out. I know that I can depend on you for this as I can for everything. Oh what sweet tranquillity to know that you are a wise man and that I am in such good hands. It is so good to have this great confidence in you, this certainty of wisdom. Your sweet protection! I often feel like a kid under your wing. And it’s good.

Goodnight my love. Don’t talk of your work. Censors delay the letters terribly. Speak to me about us, about your heart, about our coming life.  I embrace you darling. I love you. A very good night, darling.  Can you feel me close to you? Your wife,

Your Yvette.

Do you know darling that the watch you gave me has never stopped? It has neve left my hand. It’s really a good watch. Ten years old already! Send me a photo please. And lots of letters. I no longer want anything to separate us, Henri.  Ever.