Dear Natalie!
I thank you very much for the message, and answer you at once so that you can order the night lamp and clock immediately. Have the words "Er ist doch ein guter Mann" engraved around the clock or at least in such a way that it can be seen by the light of the luminous dial. That will give the poor woman pleasure when she cannot sleep at night. I'll send you 20 thaler, and you'll shortly get the money from Berlin, where I'll give orders also to send it to Fräulein Rottdorf. If it should not arrive in time for the clock, ask Fräulein Rottdorf to lend you the money.
Furthermore, I ask you to let me have frequent news—secretly—about Minna's condition. I'm very much worried about her, but hope for improvement when she adjusts her mind to some degree. For God's sake, avoid everything that might irritate her in the least. I, too, am firmly resolved to do that. Do the right thing, and I shall not fail you! Goodbye!
Your
Richard Wagner
Source: Letters of Richard Wagner: The Burrell Collection, ed. John N. Burk (Macmillan, 1950), No. 198