[To]
Citizen Sophie Boisson
Cahors

[Tilh crossed out]
Toulouse 18th January 1797

What must you think, my dear Sophie, of my silence? You have probably said many times, Mimi is an ingrate. Where then is this friendship she used to have for me? Absence has had its usual effect on her, as on many others. No, my dear friend. Know and judge my heart better. Separation has not altered the sincere attachment I have always had for you. For my part, far from lessening, it would only increase if that were possible. But, you say, how can I believe what you tell me after going so long without sending any news? I answer with an incontestable defence. Do you know Sophie’s address?, I inquired of many young ladies who were boarders with us. One and all replied, No. At last, tired of my fruitless quest, it occurred to me to ask Madame Buguet. She kindly gave it to me, permitting me this delightful indulgence of chatting with you. I shall never forget that it is to her I owe the pleasure I enjoy today; and, when I see her, she will have all my thanks.

Yes, my dear Sophie, I like to think I will be forgiven. You will not dare pursue an opponent who has on her side the mighty weapon of friendship, and who for her part will only avenge her insult (which you undoubtedly gave, by believing that she had forgotten you) with the great love she has for you. I am confident I will be granted my pardon. I believe it. I dare to hope. But I do wonder if the proverb is true which says, It is easy to believe what you wish for. That is the position I find myself in, as I write. I count, as you see, on your indulgence my dear Sophie. So make my wish come true and give me I pray, on receipt of my letter, the assurance of your friendship and forgiveness.

Is it pleasant where you are living? Is there lots to amuse you? I am sure you have not been spared by the Revolution. Here, as there, it has deprived us of all our property; but at least it has left me those I cherish and love as myself, namely Papa and Mama. You see, since it granted me the favour of leaving me them, I forgive it everything else. I hope you have not experienced any losses other than ours, that is to say of property. I comfort myself that you did not [– a rip two or three words long –] any others?

I hope you and your family are in good health. Please give my regards to your sister and to your father even though I have not had the honour of meeting him. Madame St Hilaire², who has been kind enough to stay with us since leaving the school, sends her love to you and your sister, so does Mama. We often speak of you, my dear friend, and of your sister.

Farewell my coux [s.i.c.]³, my raton [literally, “little rat”]. I love you dearly and beg you to be truly convinced of the life-long attachment I promised you. Your good friend,

Eleonore Muzard.

P.S. You will know my dear that I am no longer called Mimi. My address is Eleonore Muzard, Care of Citizen Ramal, Rue Perchepinte, 13th Sou., No 918, Toulouse.

I forgot to tell you that we have been in Tilh for two years, a very disagreeable and boring place at all times but especially in the winter. Hipollite is still at Madame Crouzilhac’s; she sends you her regards. Goodbye again, it is high time I put an end to my scribbling is it not?

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