“Really I don't think I deserve so much praise; I did my best, it is true, and while being happy to see you satisfied with my work, I very much regret not having been able to make it more perfect.

Let me thank you, as well as Madame Brice, for your extreme kindness and for the superb sheaf of white lilacs that you sent to my dear wife, I was more touched than I can say.

Please, dear sir, present my respectful homage to Madame, and thanking you for having given me the opportunity to paint your pretty and dear baby […]”.