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Elisina Tyler to Mildred Barnes Bliss, January 23, 1913

Paris.

January 23rd 1913.Thursday.

Dear Mildred,

Please don’t unpack the 30 boxes for so slight a pretext. The contemporary memoirs can wait. I wonder who the o.f.Possibly “old fool.” is? It can’t be Robert: he would be y.f.Possibly “young fool.”—and he isn’t. I am delighted to have hit upon the right day. Metman is coming too, so your court will be, in elements, complete.

Purple buttonsSee letter of January 15, 1913 [2]. are being made of amethyst quartz—a fearful extravagance, destined however to become a “find” in an old forgotten box for my great-grandchildren.

I hope I shall see the fichuSee letter of January 15, 1913 [2]. on your shoulders—I was going to say on your blessed little shoulders.—

I shall read the Golden BoughJames George Frazer’s The Golden Bough: A Study in Magic and Religion, a comparative study of mythology and religion. First published in two volumes in 1890, the third edition, published between 1906 and 1915, comprised twelve volumes. again and try and discover the primeval significance of the sentiment which makes me rejoice vicariously in you. But you shall not have my purple buttons. Even perfect rhythm requires an occasional pause to enhance its meaning. Royall will furnish the occasion for talking about the Carters. We believe Mrs. CarterAlice Morgan Carter (1865–1933). called here once but we know it must have been on a misapprehension.

I am enchanted with Moulton who is obviously a man of genius. But who is Moulton?Probably Baron John Fletcher Moulton (1844–1921), an English mathematician, barrister, and judge. See H. Fletcher Moulton, The Life of Lord Moulton (London: Nisbet and Co., 1922). See also letters of February 7, 1913; February 12, 1913; and May 30, 1913.

Don’t be angry if my silly note rouses you from a well-earned slumber. It is such fun to write you! and your answers are even better. (I certainly expect none to this.)

William is making his way towards complete recovery, and will be happy to see his “ma reine”“My queen” instead of marraine, “godmother.” whom he believes to be engaged in making some tarts all on a summer’s day.From the Queen of Hearts nursery rhyme: “The Queen of Hearts she made some tarts all on a summer’s day; The Knave of Hearts he stole the tarts and took them clean away. The King of Hearts called for the tarts and beat the Knave full sore. The Knave of Hearts brought back the tarts and vowed he’d steal no more.”

We both send love to you both, and I am

“Eighth and always” yours

Elisina.

 
Associated People: Louis Metman
Associated Places: Paris (France)
Associated Things: Autobiography