(London, beginning of January, 1890] 
[Draft] 
Dear Mrs Zadek, 

We were both, Lenchen and I, as surprised as we were delighted 
when we received the beautiful pieces of handwork you so kindly sent 
us. It was surely too much for you to have sat down, your eyes being 
as troublesome as they are (and I know what that means from my own 
experience), and made such complicated things. And for that reason 
they will be all the more treasured. Lenchen is in absolute raptures 
over her fine warm skirt and, even though you may have flattered me 
a shade too much in regard to the smallness of my feet, I’m perfectly 
sure that the slippers and I will, on longer acquaintance, become most 
intimate friends. We both of us thank you from the bottom of our 
hearts. 

I hope your health permitted you to spend a happy 70th birthday 
surrounded by your dear ones; may we please send you our belated 
congratulations? This distinction still lies ahead of Lenchen and 
myself—in my case it actually falls this year. It is a peculiar decade in 
which to enter it. 

With my kindest regards to you and Dr Zadek. 
Very respectfully, Yours, 
FE.