So I'm writing you for the last time, dear Minna, to-day. From your yesterday's letter I reaped at least the boon of reassuring news about yourself and your condition. It was needed; for I have been and am greatly fatigued. Imagine it, on Sunday came Niemann besides, and indeed with his fiancée, the famous Seebach. They spent Sunday evening here, when I read aloud, and the whole of Monday, when I had to keep at it of course, as these people will hear of nothing but myself and my new works. Early this morning the Niemanns departed. By all means he is just born for Siegfried; yet — I have no more hope of anything, and all I know for certain is the unheard-of exertions I'm always strictly squandering. But on all that by mouth the day after tomorrow. Most likely X will come with me, though I gladly would leave him at home; there really will not even be convenient room in the carriage. We'll see. —
Very well, no rug. Instead a very beautiful cigar-box at 30 fr., and a napkin-ring at 16 fr.; nearly 50 fr. together. That is neither too much nor too little.
To-day holds out a prospect of fine weather; the barometer is also standing high: accordingly the hope that you will make a thoroughly cheerful re-entry here. I expect to arrive by 11 at latest, and hope we shall be home by 7. Now shew that you understand the making of a proper cure; may God give his blessing! I'm so run down to-day, that I have sent X out awhile; Müller, to whom I took him at once, unfortunately is on duty at Küssnacht this week, of all others; he will drop in for dinner to-day, though. It is getting time you also came yourself! May the distractions you will find here do you good! You will also find letters — from Fräulein Schiffner the faithful, and from Clara; I don't think there's any hurry with them. —
So, a thousand best greetings; strengthen yourself by good sleep for my coming; and then be kind and calm toward
Thy good Husband.
Source: Richard to Minna Wagner: Letters to His First Wife, trans. William Ashton Ellis, Vol. 1 (H. Grevel & Co., 1909), No. 141