Vienna, Friday
October 21, 1887

Dear Mama and Minna

I was highly amused by Mama's last letter. It shows so much family pride, and the emphasis on the two families' peculiarities emerges quite innocently at a time when the new little creature seems to display a combination of them both. For I announce to you solemnly: although Mathilde sucks her fingers, she shows a striking resemblance to me-according to general opinion; indeed, several people point to gaps in my face where the little girl has been cut out.* She has already grown much prettier, sometimes I think even