19 December 1885

Madrid

Madrid, 19 December 1885

MR. JOSE RIZAL

FRIEND PEPE,

For a long time I have not received a letter from you and I have not answered your last letter. We are well. The mail boat arrived and there was no letter for you. Hence I do not know if the letters have been sent there to you directly.

The end of the year is approaching and likely we shall hold a banquet. The Tagalogs have no money and probably not all of them will be able to attend it.

The colony sends you many regards. Govantes[1] is sending you regards. One afternoon I met him and I gave him your regards. It seems that he will attend the banquet if it will be held, according to what he said.

If I can find a house, I am going to get out of here. I will tell you later about it. My condition here is not very good. That is why I am looking for another house.

How are your studies? I guess you will become a specialist. I will see if I shall overtake you there in summer so that we can travel together.

Please tell me what the condition of the colony there is and if Mr. Luna and others are well.

Please send me the dialogue of Florencio and Lydia which I have forgotten.

If you meet Intin,[2] give him my regards and tell him I have not forgotten him. I should like to know if he has moved to another house so that I can write him.

Perhaps you already know that “Gladstone” is not going to be married and he has moved to another house. Fernandez is not yet well. The rest of us are the same as when you left us and each one has his own business.

Julio is well. I have read your letter to him. I am often at his house. He is studying at a free school.

Command your friend who is like your brother who does not forget you.

CEFERINO

How much is an ordinary camera?

Send me a French novel, either by Zola or Daudet’s Theodora.