337 words
[Traunstein]
9 August 1982
Dearest Beryl,
You don’t know how glad I was to see you yesterday! I do thank you for coming.
The beautiful stripy cat — Pumugel — is now curled up at my side in the garden. He has purred himself to sleep, but starts purring again as soon as I touch him — the lovely creature. But last night he slept upstairs with his mistress, not in my bed as usual. I called him but he did not come. I suppose I should respect his independence and not mind. I want my freedom and animals — especially those of the feline tribe — want theirs.
To-day — 9th — is your birthday. I am glad I gave you the present yesterday — had I known you were born on the 9th, I would have sent it to you in time for you to receive it to-day. Anyhow, better a day too early than not at all (for I did not know the day).
I don’t know when Frau Asmus is coming and taking me to Prien. She has not yet rung up. I just wrote to our comrade G. Amaudruz, 9 Chemin des Aubérgines, Lausanne (Switzerland). I asked him to send me a few copies of the book I gave you yesterday, as I have none left and do not know when Myriam Hirn (my French friend who lives in New Delhi) will be able to come over and bring me a few. As I don’t know where I shall be, I suggested he could send them to you — and you give them to me when we meet again.
I also asked him whether he has any other books of mine.
He publishes a very good, well-informed magazine, Courier du Continent. But it is in French. A pity your French is still in the “beginner’s” stage — for it would interest you.
More next time — Frau Ettmayr sends you also her birthday greetings and all best wishes.
I send you the Greeting of the faithful along with the best of wishes.
Yours as ever,
Savitri