6 2 V O L U M E 8 , D O C U M E N T S 3 6 1 c , 3 6 1 d
Vol. 8, 361c. To Elsa Einstein
[Zurich,] Monday morning. [16 July 1917]
Dear Else,
This postcard from the platform just before departure to Arosa, where I intend
to stay with Albert for exactly one
week.[1]
Zangger’s thorough analysis also yield-
ed slightly high blood pressure (heart somewhat affected by
it).[2]
I did not visit
anyone in Zurich. Albert has been a bit refractory again (clear influence of his
mother).[3]
The flat can probably be vacated on September 1. My sister-in-law is
already
here.[4]
Zangger made some quite unfavorable comments about my wife’s
character. The Bessos are touchingly kind to me. Mrs. Besso keeps house without
maids; that probably explains her somewhat hesitant manner regarding invitations.
She is frail and does everything
herself.[5]
I don’t know yet whether Tarasp is
necessary.[6]
The train is about to leave, I have to hurry. Greetings also to the little minxes and
the
aunts,[7]
and a separate kiss for you from your
Albert.
Vol. 8, 361d. To Elsa Einstein
[Arosa,] Tuesday. [17 July 1917]
Dear Else,
We have been in Arosa for one day now
already.[1]
The area is wonderful, the
care very good, but not quite up to spa standards. I am very careful about what I
eat, though, and walk about
little.[2]
Tete looks splendid, not fat, but ruddy like a
healthy farmer’s boy. He is indescribably funny. The sanatorium is managed
conscientiously but militaristically; I shall see if I can bring him to Mrs. S[tahel]
without spoiling relations with
Z[angger].[3]
It’s like in a family there, a friendly
woman who made just as favorable an impression on me in person as her letter did
on us. Besso does not believe in Tete's illness; his
Vero[4]
had supposedly had the
same symptoms, without anything serious having been behind it at all. The
doctor[5]
claims the contrary but expects full recovery after a year’s stay in the
mountain air. In any case, I have never seen a better-looking or more cheerful little
fellow. The absence of their
mother[6]
does both of the boys a lot of good, outward-
ly as well, in that their behavior has improved. I happened to travel up to Arosa with
Mrs.
Hurwitz.[7]
She was very friendly; I told her the reasons for the separation,
more or
less.[8]
Albert is diligent at school, and that without a trace of conceited-
ness. He is also not nearly as reserved and has a strong sense of orderliness, oddly