The letter he found in Paris was so short that I may give it entire.
"My dear Bernard (it ran), I must write to you before I write to any one else, though unfortunately you are so far away that you can't be the first to congratulate me.

Try and not be the last, however.

I am going to be married--as soon as possible.

You know the young lady, so you can appreciate the situation.

Do you remember little Blanche Evers, whom we used to see three years ago at Baden-Baden?
Of course you remember her, for I know you used often to talk with her.