My dear Pratibha,

How can I find words to express to you my deep heartfelt sorrow at the sad and totally unexpected news conveyed to me by wire yesterday?

My first thought was for you, dearest Pratibha. Your whole existence was so completely bound up with your late husband’s that this blow must be awful indeed. I know what you have lost in your dear, high-minded, noble husband, whose only thought was his duty. A more faithful, devoted, fearless public servant the government ever had. His loss to the town is quite irreparable. Added to this, my family had such a true affection and personal friendship for your late husband. Indeed, all who had the pleasure of knowing him must even remember his kind smile and twinkling eye.

But I speak of ourselves and of what we have lost, when I ought only to express my sympathy for you, in your present great loss. But I could not restrain my pen, and the expression of my feelings may perhaps be soothing to your bleeding heart. Most truly also do I sympathise with your children.

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Pray do not think of answering this yourself, but let me hear through your neighbour Sushila. Ever dear Pratibha, with the sincerest regard and truest sympathy, I am.

Yours very sincerely,

Victoria