Viewing page 346 of 978
This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.
Hotel Des Indes La Haye July 28th, 1902. My dear Colonel:-- The continued strain of the last five weeks is at last broken --- Mr. Whistler has been safely and comfortably moved (carried in a chair) from this hotel to pleasant quarters in a fine old Dutch house a few doors away. There with his two noble sisters-in law and competent servants he will remain probably until September,--- until London cools off and the confusion of house building next door to his Chelsea home shall have ceased. And there, day after tomorrow, I am to say farewell and start for Paris. The parting, like the friendship which has strangely grown up between us four, will be agreeable to us all, and yet, in a sense, pathetic. Our pilgrimage has been short in distance but long in impressions and strewn with perils. The roadway is still misty but there is no lack of courage, and now that we should choose new paths, he falters not, but like an old-time knight errant, with frank heart, he awaits the leagues before him. I can simply wish him to win and then go. After one day in Paris, I shall go direct to Rome where I have asked Tom, Freddie, and Coleman to meet me for a few hours to attend to some household matters for Freddie and Villa Castello, after which Capri!! At Capri I shall rest for a little while and then whenever Freddie is ready we will return together to Detroit. The world is a curious shell, and I wonder of what is the real kernel? Your good letter of the 11th inst. is here and very welcome. I am sorry that Louise regains her strength so slowly but trust that the cool and genial air of Mackinac is bringing to her health and pleasures. And for poor Potter, too I am so sorry, as yet, I cannot write to him but whenever I find words without too much chill they shall go to him. Do give him my warmest remembrances and to George Russel too, I would be most kindly remembered. For your own good self and family my warmest regards. Faithfully Freer Long hand.
