AT LE PERREUX 
London, 13 October 1891 

My dear Lafargue, 

Why didn’t you ask me for the cheque as soon as you needed it? 
Why expose Laura to such humiliations when you know that one 
word from you—or from her—would be enough to put a stop to 
them? 

That dear man Constans would seem to be intent on making you 
deputy for Lille whatever the cost—so much the better, let’s hope he 
pulls it off. If all you have for opponent is an Opportunist, you should 
have every chance of success. It is of the utmost importance that we 
should have you in the Chamber— the other socialist deputies don’t 
seem to be ur to snurr, they’re feeble, feeble, feeble! 

Constans will undoubtedly do his best to upset your plans— but in 
that case he will be working for you, just as Bismarck in Germany 
worked for us. For in my country it’s not the socialists who work for 
the King of Prussia*; rather it’s the King of Prussia who works for 
the socialists. And it may well be that the fury aroused in Constans’ 
breast by the boos and catcalls at Marseilles ?!> will prove a powerful 
level in getting you elected. ‘Above all, don’t be too zealous,’ ?! Mr 
Constans!! 

I have a long letter to write to Bebel* today on the subject of the 
Erfurt Congress 7°'; there are several very important questions to dis- 
cuss. That’s why I must cut this letter short. Keep smiling, try always 
to poke fun at your opponents, pur YOUR TRUST IN THE HISTORICAL LUCK OF 
THE PARTY, AND KEEP YOUR POWDER DRY. , 

F.E. 

* i.e. for nothing-" William II-* See next letter. 

256 Engels to Bebel. 13 October 189] 

Likewise from Pumps and the children who are still here. The little 
girl* needs a steel brace for her back (she is growing too fast) and the 
man who is making it keeps dragging his feet from one day to the 
next.