D O C U M E N T S 3 2 , 3 3 M A Y 1 9 2 0 1 7 3
32. To Elsa Einstein
[Leyden,] Thursday. [27 May 1920]
Dear Else,
Now this sojourn here is coming to an
end.[1]
It was nice, but I am looking for-
ward to being home again as well. I am coming on Monday. I let Halle go without
me.[2]
I won’t be traveling directly to Norway because the passport difficulties
would probably be even more inconvenient to settle than from Berlin. I have noth-
ing in writing in hand, you know. Nor do I know whom I am being invited
by.[3]
My nomination here is still lying in the lap of the gods, to the great discomfort of
my colleagues. So the speech remained
undelivered.[4]
Next time! The violin un-
fortunately hasn’t arrived, either. I will continue to look after this business from
Berlin.[5]
I’m gratified to see that I’m not the only slovenly bungler in the world;
that’s a
consolation.[6]
Tomorrow and the day after tomorrow I’ll be in Amsterdam
(at Zeeman’s and at the Academy, whose member I have become (don’t say any-
thing so that nothing gets in the
papers).)[7]
On Sunday we’ll still be visiting Julius
in Utrecht to play
music.[8]
Then it’s homeward bound. Ilse kept me very nicely up
to date. But I was
slovenly.[9]
It was nice, but now I’m looking forward to seeing you all again very much.
Kisses from your
Albert.
Greetings to Ilse, Margot, and the
parents.[10]
33. To Ilse Einstein
[Leyden, 27 May 1920]
Dear Ilse,
I’m a heel for not having answered your letters and for writing
Mama[1]
so little;
but you are a dear, irreproachable monkey, as you yourself
acknowledged.[2]
I’m
coming back on Monday, so help me God; then we can discuss everything I had
neglected from here. This evening I had a war of words at the colloquium with an
antirelativist (not an anti-Semite, because he’s called
Polak).[3]
Apologize for me
to Mama for having written her so little this time—she also was quieter than usual;
but I hope and confidently expect she will make up for it abundantly in person.
Kisses to all three of
you,[4]
yours,
Albert.