Paris
Paris, 16 April 1890
MR. JOSE RIZAL
Brussels
DEAR FRIEND:
I have on hand your two last letters dated respectively 27 March and 14th instant, and I am glad to learn that you are in good health and that every day you are making progress in your target practice.
The card you sent me is beautiful, showing that you have control of your pulse, for although you have not hit many times the bullseye, all the holes are on one side of the card. I do not know at what distance you hit the card, because if you have done it at twenty-five paces, I will not be the one to challenge you to a pistol duel.
With reference to the duel, do you know who of the Madrid suyas [Filipinos] almost challenged a Madrid aristocrat to a duel? So that you may be informed, I enclose two clippings from El Imparcial which speak of the matter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [Portion destroyed by termites. Cannot be reconstructed].
I congratulate you on having been jilted by your little lassie because it saves you various things: money, time, and . . . . Providence.
The Japanese of Maria, the Swiss girl, has left. If you write her, please give her my condolence, because it seems that he was very good to her.
Yesterday I received a letter form Albert and he tells me that he has written you a long time ago and is surprised that he has not received a reply. Also he says that he has sent you a list of the numbers which won in the raffle. For this reason I am returning your ticket so that you can check it, for here they do not sell lists. Look at it; for the first prize has not yet been collected and it is possible that your number has won it, although I do not believe it because Providence protects you and as winning . . . . . . . [portion destroyed by termites] . . . ., however, check it.
Although I have done everything possible, I was not able to sell your furniture for more than 550 francs and to do so I have had to give away many little things of my own and take advantage of the fact that Monsieur Raulin, Ramirez’ partner, wanted to furnish a house. In the stores they offered me for all only from 350 to 400 francs.
Therefore, you still owe me 250 francs of the 800 that you borrowed.
Enclosed in your letter of yesterday, I received the order for 750 francs and, in accordance with your letter, I am returning with this 250 francs, leaving with me 500 for our account. If you need more, write, as I am well off at this moment.
Am embrace of your friend who esteems you.
V. VENTURA
02-520 [Blumentritt V.2]