First Part Chapter 42

RENEE TO LOUISE

My little girl is two months old. She is called Jeanne-Athenais, and
has for godmother and godfather my mother, and an old grand-uncle of
Louis'.

As soon as I possibly can, I shall start for my visit to Chantepleurs,
since you are not afraid of a nursing mother. Your godson can say your
name now; he calls it Matoumer, for he can't say c properly. You
will be quite delighted with him. He has got all his teeth, and eats
meat now like a big boy; he is all over the place, trotting about like
a little mouse; but I watch him all the time with anxious eyes, and it
makes me miserable that I cannot keep him by me when I am laid up.

The time is more than usually long with me, as the doctors consider some
special precautions necessary. Alas! my child, habit does not inure
one to child-bearing. There are the same old discomforts and
misgivings. However (don't show this to Felipe), this little girl
takes after me, and she may yet cut out your Armand.

My father thought Felipe looking very thin, and my dear pet also not
quite so blooming. Yet the Duc and Duchesse de Soria have gone; not a
loophole for jealousy is left! Is there any trouble which you are
hiding from me? Your letter is neither so long nor so full of loving
thoughts as usual. Is this only a whim of my dear whimsical friend?