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Elisina Tyler to Mildred Barnes Bliss, July 21, 1917

Aix-Les-Bains

July 21st 1917Saturday.

Dearest Mildred,

I have just heard from Royall that you have lost your poor little Kiltie.Robert Woods Bliss wrote his father, William Henry Bliss, on September 28, 1917: “Did I write you of the tragedy of our little white Westhighland? You know that about 3 yrs. ago I bought a charming little fellow for I felt that with Kree growing old it was wise to have another to work into our affections before the old boy departed. We became very fond of him, he was wise, stubborn & very honest—never have I seen a dog which would gaze into ones eyes as he did—his only failing of character—a bad one I admit for a dog—was a tendency to cowardice. Several weeks ago when the motor drove up to the chancery for me he jumped off the box right under a swift going motor & his poor little back was broken so that he only lived (& I think without suffering for he did not even know me to whom he was devoted) about 20 minutes. We buried him in the dog’s cemetery—and grief in all this dreadful war came to us through the death of a faithful dog! Kree still keeps well although he has aged very much this year, has grown quite deaf, does not see well, but is apparently very healthy—and more dignified than ever.” Blissiana files, William Henry Bliss correspondence. I am so very much distressed for your sake, and so sad to think that the dear little creature should be no more. I hope he didn’t suffer.

Royall is full of excitement over his examinations, and I hope he will be accepted.This is probably a reference to Royall Tyler’s assignment to the U.S. War Department’s General Staff, G-2, for German prisoner of war interrogation. See letter of April 16, 1917, and Major Royall Tyler and Military Intelligence during the Great War.

I have found here the masseuse you had at Cannes, Madame Servaut. She is an excellent masseuse, and I have her every day for one hour, as I am just as stiff and tired as I can be. I spend the day in my room as I find the bustle downstairs too much for me. What is the use of standing all my inches and having the resistance of an infant? However, this time I intend to stay here till I feel quite recovered, as I wished I could have done at Beauvallon.See letter of April 16, 1917.

I wrote to you a few days ago, and I hope my letter reached you, though this is not an indirect way of begging for an answer. The only answer I could wish is a telegram saying that you are coming.

Your boy is supposed to be back from Arromanches and going to Genay on Monday, where Royall hopes to accompany him.

My love to Robert, please, and a gentle stroke to Cree—Poor Cree [sic].Kree was the Blisses’ dog.

Ever your devoted,

Elisina.