Dearest Minna,
But tell me, why don't you write to me, then? Surely there is more of importance to tell me about yourself and progress with your cure, than I can tell you when simply nothing is happening to me! However, I have been daily expecting a line from the Bülows, concerning whom I had heard through Herwegh that they intended getting here as early as the 10th, which put me on tenterhooks; whereas they haven't written to this day and if they did not first announce to me their advent, I should really think it somewhat too ill-mannered. Consequently I suppose they are coming at the time originally fixed; in which I am supported by the latest tidings, that B. has engaged himself for several soirées at Baden-Baden. But it has kept me in suspense from day to day, since — if they had been coming earlier — I shouldn't have known whether I ought not to fetch you earlier myself. Moreover, absolutely nothing has occurred, and I'm living with Karlchen here as forsaken as if in an enchanted castle. O yes, one thing: Tausig's papa surprised us by arriving yesterday; a nervous little manikin, who will probably depart again tomorrow. — I have settled everything quite capitally with Frau Ochsner; they hadn't really noticed that one good washstand, whereas the night-stand was already gone; so I agreed to accept 55 fr. for the things returned, instead of 15 fr., which is quite another thing. She will also make good to you the cover that has disappeared, if you will only tell her what you claim as compensation. — The first tantième account from Berlin has come, 255 thaler; but no answer from Hülsen as yet about the advance — which rather annoys me. All I hear, is that Hülsen wishes to resign, and had an audience lately of the Prince of Prussia, who insisted on retaining him, however. Something appears to be going on there. There you have all my news, which no doubt won't seem peculiarly important to you. I shall fetch you Thursday morning, then; I have already spoken to Furrer himself. Your return really eases my mind in every respect, for thus much is certain: the cure is greatly pulling you down now, as I judge from the fatigue you complain of. Remember, however, what I told you beforehand: that one token of the efficacy of the cure would be a feeling of tiredness and bruisedness in your limbs; it really is a proof that the great excitability of your nerves is laid: I feel it every time when rest at last returns — especially through sleep — after any commotion. So don't be concerned about it; it only proves for certain that the time has come when you require a rest, and for that very reason it is well that the exertions of the cure are drawing to an end. Be equally unconcerned for your repose, under every aspect, after your return; here nothing reigns but calm, and any further agitation is unthinkable. But you will soon convince yourself of that; perhaps it will be too quiet for you! — I intend to make you well and comfortable; I mean it — and all accordingly is well! Whatever may be agreeable to you, you shall find; only you also must take proper care of yourself. Frau Schürli is working day and night at your clothes, and you will be pleased — I hope — with the other presents; I have been fairly particular with their choice, only that choice itself is not particularly great. — I will also see to the rug and napkin-ring being quite according to your wish; so what more would you have? —
Lisette is scrubbing and scouring, polishing and sweeping. What more would you have?
Friedrich is plucking the tiniest weed from the path, and toiling away left and right. Both are looking forward to Thursday. What more would you have?
And your good husband??
He would have — repose! repose!! exactly what you want yourself. So come, be heartily welcome, and contentment no doubt will soon appear.
Farewell for to-day. Write about your condition; slacken the cure, and prepare for a good rest.
From his heart,
Thy dear Husband.
Source: Richard to Minna Wagner: Letters to His First Wife, trans. William Ashton Ellis, Vol. 1 (H. Grevel & Co., 1909), No. 139