L E T T E R S

33silk socks here. However, I can wait until you have sewn a few pairs as a giftfor my father. This would make him very happy. When I was in Warsaw, therewere times when I didn't see him for more than a week. Here at a distance, affectionfor friends and family - and how much more for you - becomesimmeasurably stronger. It's a pity that I can send you so little money at thistime, for it is hard to sew socks without cotton. I am not asking you to skimpor deprive yourself of comforts. Not only will I not be angry, I even encourageyou to borrow a few hundred złotys from Alfons, or from anyone in a positionto help. I will gladly return the money later. For that matter, the Szotarskis arein Warsaw. If you should decide to stay in Warsaw, there is something I wantyou to do for me. This is a must. I would ask you to learn to play the guitarfrom notes. Either Alfons or Michael Jaroszewski can provide a suitableteacher for you.If you are in Warsaw, I suggest that you consult Doctor StephenFiałkowski. 18 He is the best obstetrician there.Further cautions, which you may have violated already. For the love ofGod, be on your guard! You are so good-natured that, as soon as you getused to someone, you immediately ask for advice, no matter who it is. Thusyou may already have taken on Bońkowska as your servant in Warsaw, or youmay be planning to do so. Please do not do this! What would people say? Howimproper it would be! You know well enough of what kind of affairs she was aconfidante when she was in your service before. There are already manypeople who identify her as your lackey. There would be questions. Briefly,then, I beg you: If you have taken any steps in that direction, please withdraw.And if you haven't, for the love of God do not even inquire about her.Otherwise you would cause me great distress. Rather hire a girl from thevillage to accompany you should it be absolutely necessary for you to go toWarsaw. Yet there are surely many wealthier women giving birth to children18 Stephen Fiałkowski - rather Ignatius Fijałkowski, was at this time a noted obstetrician inWarsaw. He lived at Ulica Miodowa, 483.