You do not currently have permission to view the full text for this document. Please sign in to an account with an active subscription or contact support.
[Budapest, undated]1
Dear Professor,
I can't tell you how difficult it is to bear the intellectual separation from you, which grows increasingly chronic. All paths of written communication are cut off; the prospect of speaking to you personally has almost disappeared for the foreseeable future. And this just now, when I have a hundred personal and material things to talk about and discuss with you.—
Toni's condition depresses me unspeakably. He bears his condition with admirable resignation to his fate; nonetheless, he secretly harbors the hope that even now it is only a matter of a psychic problem. It is no small effort for me to maintain a cheerful, carefree mood with respect to him. I see him daily, but I content myself with listening to his complaints and providing distraction for him. His family doesn't suspect. Only in Frau Rózsi2 do I notice signs of growing unrest. Actually we (Toni and I) are only coming closer these days; it is all the more painful for me to see how how sad it is with him. A few days ago Dr. Lévy expressed himself optimistically about the effect to be expected from the X-ray treatment, and cited one case which was supposedly cured by a few irradiations. But in the meantime this patient's death notice appeared in the newspapers.
It was only the closer intimacy with Toni that led me to appreciate the intellectual and emotional refinement of this excellent human being.—Should he remain with us, our bond of friendship will be sealed forever. Unfortunately, my hope is very slim!
I still owe you a report about my new family life.—My physical well-being