I saw M. Depaul today.  One must be prepared for anything!—­If the crisis is passed or delayed, for there is question of bringing on the event, I shall be happy to spend two days with my old troubadour, whom I love tenderly.

G. Sand.

LXXVIII.  TO GUSTAVE FLAUBERT Paris, 11 May, 1868

If you were to be at home Wednesday evening, I should go to chat an hour alone with you after dinner in your quarters.  I despair somewhat of going to Croisset; it is tomorrow that that they decide the fate of my poor friend.

A word of response, and above all do not change any plan.  Whether I see you or not, I know that two old troubadours love each other devotedly!

G. Sand Monday evening.

LXXIX.  TO GUSTAVE FLAUBERT Paris, 17 May, 1868

I have a little respite, since they are not going to bring on the confinement.  I hope to go to spend two days at that dear Croisset.  But then don’t go on Thursday, I am giving a dinner for the prince [Footnote:  Prince Jerome Napoleon.] at Magny’s and I told him that I would detain you by force.  Say yes, at once.  I embrace you and I love you.

G. Sand

LXXX.  TO GUSTAVE FLAUBERT

I shall not go with you to Croisset, for you must sleep, and we talk too much.  But on Sunday or Monday if you still wish it; only I forbid you to inconvenience yourself.  I know Rouen, I know that there are carriages at the railway station and that one goes straight to your house without any trouble.

I shall probably go in the evening.

Embrace your dear mamma for me, I shall be happy to her again.

G. Sand

If those days do not suit you, a word, and I shall communicate with you again.  Have the kindness to put the address on the enclosed letter and to put it in the mail.

LXXXI.  TO GUSTAVE FLAUBERT Paris, 21 Thursday—­May, 1868

I see that the day trains are very slow, I shall make a great effort and shall leave at eight o’clock Sunday, so as to lunch with you; if it is too late don’t wait for me, I lunch on two eggs made into an omelet or shirred, and a cup of coffee.  Or dine on a little chicken or some veal and vegetables.

In giving up trying to eat real meat, I have found again a strong stomach.  I drink cider with enthusiasm, no more champagne!  At Nohant, I live on sour wine and galette, and since I am not trying any more to thoroughly nourish myself, no more anemia; believe then in the logic of physicians!

In short you must not bother any more about me than about the cat and not even so much.  Tell your little mother, just that.  Then I shall see you at last, all I want to for two days.  Do you know that you are inaccessible in Paris?  Poor old fellow, did you finally sleep like a dormouse in your cabin?  I would like to give you a little of my sleep that nothing, not even a cannon, can disturb.