Maria MALIBRAN (1808-1836). L.A.S. "Maria", September 15 [1832, to the Marquis de Louvois]; 3 pages in-4. Charming and rare letter from the singer. "Last year I was waiting, I was waiting! What? will you say it - You.... I did not know to what to attribute such a long silence (because you could write me not being able to come). I learn at the moment that you are employed at a Minister, driving a car at will... &c. I, poor and always the same Maria, had been very piqued by your neglect of me, however before my departure I could not resist any longer the desire to know your news, I wrote you a small chicken very nice ... But ... Mr. Fanfan did not want to take the trouble to pass to the Rue Blanche. What does that mean? Monsieur Louvois Fanfan almost a Minister? Are we too proud to condescend to bow our heads to our old friend Maria? I did not go to visit Made your mother believing that the cholera-morbus was holding you all against me, without that...... [...] I am leaving tomorrow to give a concert at the Royal Theatre in Brussels, and I must return at the end of the month. You know, no doubt, that I have just made an irreparable loss in Mr. Cottinet, who acted for me, precisely as a father should have acted. I only came back to keep his young widow company for a while! No doubt you know what I spend my time on. You have, no doubt, that there are insurmountable difficulties, almost to vomit. Finally, what I did not dare to say 3 years ago [allusion to her affair with her future husband, Charles de Beriot], is now known to everyone by my own admission. I rejoice in seeing that all my former friends approve of my choice, with the possible exception of Mrs. N..., and that my friends remain with me as in the past"...