[...] I have been a week in Venice now. I was unhappy in Geneva and since, when I fled, I had no pleasure excursion in mind, but a permanent place of residence wherein to think and work, I willingly let myself be persuaded by Karl's assurances that a removal to Venice, even at this time of year, could do me no harm. I do not regret it. [...] I have already written about the Erard. I feel that I shall soon be in a favourable frame of mind and in any event hope to finish Tristan in the course of the winter here. [...]
[...] How we parted, how we passed the time together during this last visit of yours! [...] My poor, pitiable wife will never have an inkling of all that was involved. But all the more sincerely I wish her peace, forgetfulness, distraction and assuredly I hope she will soon feel better. Cosima's invitation, which she has told me about, has pleased me greatly. Comfort her if she comes to you! [...]
Source: Letters of Richard Wagner, Vol. 2, selected and ed. Wilhelm Altmann, trans. M. M. Bozman (J. M. Dent & Sons, 1927), No. 365