Dear Mummy! Please forgive me for being late in replying to your previous letter and for having already received the second one. Nadia is writing to you in detail about our life*.

We have not yet heard from Manya. Please forward Nadia's and my letter to her if she might find them interesting.

I do not think you should worry about Manya: Vologda is better than Astrakhan in terms of climate (there, infectious diseases are more severe and dangerous); she will find acquaintances.

The city is not very far from Petersburg and Moscow. Surely, the Petersburg newspapers arrive the next day.

Regarding translation work, it is difficult to arrange: one needs to establish connections with publishers in Moscow or Petersburg. Nadia suggests, I think, a good plan - to inquire

* The letter has not been preserved. Ed.

M. I. ULYANOVA. 24 or 25 DECEMBER 1912

at the Sabashnikovs*. Perhaps Anuta could also write to Krumbugel (if possible) and so on.

I, alas, have no publishing connections.

Why does Mark keep feeling unwell? - that's not good! He needs to rest - in the summer, for example, in the mountains - there is Zakopane, four hours away, in the mountains, they say it is a wonderful place.

We do not think of moving: only war could drive us out, but I do not believe much in war. We shall see as we live.

Big greetings to Mitya and Anuta. What is wrong with her finger? It's time to be fully cured!

Hugging you tightly, my dear, and wishing you good health.

Your V. Ul.