MARX TO FRANCOIS LAFARGUE” 

Paris, 10 July 1869 
My dear friend, 

I arrived here on Thursday” evening and I shall return to 
London on Monday.! 

In your letter, which I have reread, you seem to believe that 
Madame Marx is also here. That is a mistake.‘ 

The first thing that struck me is that Laura is still suffering 
greatly, and her health is very delicate. 

a meat extract - > Marx wrote Thursday instead of Tuesday. See this volume, p. 315. 
- © See this volume, p. 284. 

I begin with this remark because it explains the apparent apathy 
of our Paul. He has not interrupted his studies, but he has 
neglected to take the necessary measures to pass his examinations. 

To my reproaches on this subject he replied—and I must say 
had every right to reply—the following: ‘Before I think of the 
future, I must occupy myself with the present. The state of 
Laura’s health demanded a great deal of care on my part. It did 
not even permit me to be absent for any length of time. In order 
not to cause anxiety to you or to my family, I wanted to conceal all 
this. Laura and myself, we even did our best not to rouse the 
suspicions of Madame Marx.’ 

I have talked to a very good doctor whom Paul invited to the 
house. He told me that it was absolutely necessary for Laura to go 
to the seaside, and he suggested Dieppe because a prolonged 
voyage would do her harm. 

Besides, Paul has promised me that on his return from Dieppe 
he will do his best to cut short the time necessary to pass his 
doctorate. 

I must tell you frankly that the state of my daughter’s health is a 
matter of serious concern to me. 

Our grandson* is a charming boy. I have never seen a better 
shaped child’s head. 

My compliments to Madame Lafargue. 

Accept, my dear friend, the most sincere compliments of your 

Karl Marx