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Vienna, Thursday
January 6, 1885
My precious darling
In the confusion of the past few days I haven't found a moment's peace to write to you. The hospital is in an uproar. You will hear at once what it is all about.
On Sunday Koller1 was on duty at the Journal, the man who made cocaine so famous and with whom I have recently become more intimate. He had a difference of opinion about some minor technical matter with the man who acts as surgeon for Billroth's clinic, and the latter suddenly called Koller a “Jewish swine.” Now you must try to imagine the kind of atmosphere we live in here, the general bitterness-in short, we would all have reacted just as Koller did: by hitting the man in the face. The man rushed off, denounced Koller to the director who, however, called him down thoroughly and categorically took Koller's side. This was a great relief to us all. But since they are both reserve officers, he is obliged to challenge Koller to a duel and at this very moment they are fighting with sabres under rather severe conditions. Lustgarten and Bettelheim (the regimental surgeon) are Koller's seconds.
I am too upset to write any more now, but I won't send this letter off till I can tell you the result of the duel. So much could be said about all this.—
Your pleasure over the little presents made me very happy; surely Minna wouldn't think that I would confine her to a calendar! The Eliot2 is for her, I have reminded them again. As for the money, my