A mental calamity

Most heartfelt apologies, loyal readers, on my lengthy absence. I suffered a nervous breakdown after my return from Old Europe and have not fully recovered. I have spent the last three weeks in an asylum...er, rest château. It was all the excitement of seeing Horace again, combined with the horrid memory of the scene I witnessed in the jass hall. This shocking painting that I viewed in one of Europe's fine musées also contributed to my breakdown:



I am still not fit to write; the physicians have said that it is most detrimental to my psyche and Papá does not approve, thus, I must compose these sentences in private.

Merriment in l'Éurope, and Wishes for a Joyous New Year

After a hiatus in Biarritz, Monte Carlo, and Lido over the holidays, we have arrived safely back in our stately estate along one of the great rivers of our splendorous nation (I am afraid I may not name my exact location; one must’n’t tempt destitute factory workers intent on capturing Papà’s fortunes). Welcome back to me! I did not want for attention whilst abroad, attracting many potential suitors as I strolled feebly through hotel lounges and along beaches. The briny air was beneficial for my consumption, I was able to hone my skills in the French language, and my neurasthenia dissipated into imperceptibility! I did so miss Horace, but now we are back together, spending evenings a comfortable eight feet from one another in the parlor, Horace serenading me with his euphonium.



....

En Lido, nous sommes restées ici, à l’Hôtel Excelsior:






Un souvenir de Biarritz:




Une image de Monte Carlo:



Et une peinture du Ballet Russe que nous avons vu à Monte Carlo:



Et enfin, (je ne dois pas oublier):







Joyeux Noël et Bonne Nouvelle Année!