Best of friends,
You are kindness and loyalty itself, and have the most warm-hearted understanding that I have ever known! - I am sorry that you wrote when you did, since I was intending to do so myself; in addition to which your letter touches on a matter which annoys me greatly. You have no notion of my experiences with regard to Mme Laussot, - to whom it was I who proffered a friendly hand on this occasion, treating her as an able and intelligent person whom I was pleased to see leading so independent a life thanks to her own vigorous efforts. Unfortunately, her natural disposition had an even more alienating effect upon me than the eighteen years which she has been able to spend without showing the least sign of remorse for the most loathsome act of betrayal ever perpetrated. Well, it is after all 18 years: but I, at least, do not wish to be reminded of it in any way: and that - without knowing it - was precisely what you did. -
My dear friend, I have been ill since my return: indeed, almost bedridden for 10 days - a chill took violent possession of my overwrought nerves, and will not let go - But do come and visit me in Triebschen on your return journey, and bring Olga with you; you can both stay here with me as long as you wish, and - it is beautiful here! - And then I can also thank you for your saint-like behaviour towards my old and highly dissolute sister. It was typically Malwidian of you, quite unique! Adieu! Enjoy your cure! Best wishes to Vole!
Yours,
Rich. Wagner.
Source: Selected Letters of Richard Wagner, trans. and ed. Stewart Spencer and Barry Millington (W. W. Norton & Company, 1988), No. 368