letter you have an answer in the second Polonaise. [Footnote:  See next foot- note.] It is not my fault that I am like a mushroom that poisons when you unearth and taste it.  I know I have never in anything been of service to anyone, but also not of much to myself.

I told you that in the first drawer of my writing-desk near the door there was a paper which you or Grzymala or Johnnie might unseal on a certain occasion.  Now I beg of you to take it out and, without reading it, burn it.  Do this, I entreat you, for friendship’s sake.  This paper is now of no use.

If Anthony leaves without sending you the money, it is very much in the Polish style; nota bene, do not say to him a word about it.  Try to see Pleyel; tell him I have received no word from him, and that his pianino is entrusted to safe hands.  Does he agree to the transaction I proposed to him?

  The letters from home reached me all three together, with
  yours, before going on board the vessel.  I again send you one.

I thank you for the friendly help you give me, who am not strong.  My love to Johnnie, tell him that I did not allow them, or rather that they were not permitted, to bleed me; that I wear vesicatories, that I am coughing a very little in the morning, and that I am not yet at all looked upon as a consumptive person.  I drink neither coffee nor wine, but milk.  Lastly, I keep myself warm, and look like a girl.

Chopin to Fontana; Marseilles, March 6, 1839:—­

My health is still improving; I begin to play, eat, walk, and speak, like other men; and when you receive these few words from me you will see that I again write with ease.  But once more of business.  I would like very much that my Preludes should be dedicated to Pleyel (surely there is still time, for they are not yet printed) and the Ballade to Robert Schumann.  The Polonaises, as they are, to you and to Kessler.  If Pleyel does not like to give up the dedication of the Ballade, you will dedicate the Preludes to Schumann.

[Footnote:  The final arrangement was that Op. 38, the “Deuxieme Ballade,” was dedicated to Robert Schumann; Op. 40, the “Deux Polonaises,” to Julius Fontana; the French and the English edition of Op. 28, “Vingt-quatre Preludes,” to Camille Pleyel, and the German editon to J. C. Kessler.]

  Garczynski called upon me yesterday on his way back from Aix;
  he is the only person that I have received, for I keep the
  door well shut to all amateurs of music and literature.

  Of the change of dedication you will inform Probst as soon as
  you have arranged with Pleyel.

  From the money obtained you will give Grzymala 500 francs, the
  rest, 2,500 francs, you will send me as soon as possible.

  Love me and write.

  Pardon me if I overwhelm you too much with commissions, but do
  not be afraid, these are not the last.  I think you do
  willingly what I ask you.