Letter from Hélène Bricka, White Lodge, Richmond Park, to Dr. William Baldwin, 1897 February 1 : autograph manuscript signed.

Saying "Such a month of sadness at last past! You have heard of the sudden death of the Rev. Dr. O'Callaghan : he was my dearest friend, the best & truest man, always ready to help me, to advise me & I feel his death more than words can tell. The cold cruel world does not understand such friendship! nearly a month dead & still sad? as someone said to me!! I am sure God means us to mourn those he has taken from us & how can I do otherwise when I see the utter utter grief & desolation of some he left behind. Poor O'Callaghan (Harley Street) is heartbroken. He goes about with such sadness that my heart bleeds for him & we must do something to help him. I know the dearest wish of my dear departed friend was to see him in the Duchess of Teck's household, only the last time I saw him he said that the Chelsea has done Bob so much harm that knowing the work of snobs, the only saving for Bob would be to have the appointment H.R.H. promised him. I have prayed so to be guided to fulfil his dear wish but now I feel that you can help me. Don't mention my letter but one day in writing you could tell H.R.H. that it would be such a grand thing for O'Callaghan if she could appoint him, that he is worthy of her favour etc. H.R.H. thinks much of you & J.W., she may listen to you. You may say that the Chelsea has done him harm. H.R.H. spent a fortnight at Sandringham, has returned much better, but begins again her late hours & irregularity in meals. O'Callaghan does not seem to think highly of B. Thorne; he wanted me to tell H.R.H. but I dare not. I am always so afraid in [illegible]. We have snow one day, thaw the other : how I envy you at Florence. Sunshine, flowers, when the heart is sad are the only comfort."