He insists on painting your mother’s portrait in his studio in Constantinople, (with clothes on…both).

F. Hayez - L'accusa segreta. 1847 Sevilla, April 5, 1911

My Dearest Darling Girls:

Mamma sends her love. Spain is lovely but we miss you. We are sorry to say we will not be able to meet with you in Paris. Mamma and I will be in Turkey of all places through the summer. Mamma has met a Count who is an amateur artist. He insists on painting your mother’s portrait in his studio in Constantinople, (with clothes on…both). Oh well, it is just one of the things I must endure where your mother is concerned. She attracts the strangest people.

Marta, congratulations on your brief vocation as a scullery maid, however, I must admit that we were a bit disappointed in your initial career path, as we’ve always thought  your education would allow you to aspire to grander things. I understand that the gymnasium will be getting a new roof. Please try your best to behave so that we are not also rebuilding the chapel or the dormitories before you are gone from Stonefields. 

Enjoy your graduation, girls. We will be at Smith in September to get you settled in there. Have a wonderful summer in Paris. Marta, please do not dismantle the Eiffel Tower or storm the bastille while you are there. I will keep you up to date on what effect your mother has on the Ottoman Empire.

Love,

Daddy and Mamma The Mule Tamer III, Marta's Quest