Paris
Paris, 15 May 1890
MR. JOSE RIZAL
Brussels
DEAR FRIEND,
Five days ago I received by parcel post a box containing a clay figure, which by the signature, I found out to be yours. Immediately I wrote you a letter, sending you a million thanks for the fine remembrance. Eh! After writing the letter, I thought that the figure might not be for me and that you have addressed it to me to be given to somebody, and writing you a letter of thanks might embarrass you. I thought it prudent to wait for your letter and I tore my letter.
Five days have already elapsed since then and you have not written me anything about the matter, so much worse for you: but I don’t want to remain impolite and ill-bred any longer and I write you now to give you a million thanks.
Tell me frankly if the model you used lives in Brussels, because truly, if she lives there, it will be worthwhile to make a trip to that city to admire her and make her acquaintance.
If the little figure is for another person, tell me so frankly, because between us there need not be any compliments, complementos, as someone said
Have you received my letter with another for you inside which I received from the Philippines?
What about a trip? In accordance with my previous plan I will leave Paris on 14 July, spend fifteen days there with you, and afterwards we go together to Germany.
I have received the packet of La Solidaridad which you have sent me. Tell me to whom I should send the subscription price.
An embrace of your friend who esteems you.
V. VENTURA
03-526 [Reformists]