My dear Edouard, do your duty; we
ask only that.
God gave you life; he has the right to take it away from
you. Mother says that.
We embrace you fondly, although we would like to see you.
The Prussians are here. Jandon is dead; they have pillaged
everything. I have just returned from Gerbevillers, which is
destroyed. What wretches they are!
Sacrifice your life, my dear brother. We hope to see you
again, for something like a presentiment tells us to hope.
We embrace you fondly. Farewell, and may we see you again,
if God grants.
(Signed) YOUR SISTERS.
P.S. It is for us and for France. Think of your brothers and
of your grandfather in 1870.
And this next letter is sublime. It was addressed to M. Maurice Barres
by a lady from the city of Lyons, which is perhaps the most mystic
city in all France. In the newspapers mention had been made of the men
disabled by war, and of all the unfortunates who were mutilated, whose
limbs had been amputated, who were helpless or blinded. The question
was raised of knowing what ought to be done to help them. Then the
lady wrote as follows to M. Barres:
SIR: One of these recent days, when our troubles have been
so hard to bear, I went to regain my courage into one of the
beloved sanctuaries of Notre Dame.
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