Cher Mr Mackinlay.—J'ai lu avec beaucoup de plaisir l'interessant volume qu'avez (sic) dédié à la mémoire de votre chère mère. C'est aussi avec grande satisfaction que j'ai appris qu'il a été apprecié par la presse; c'est une garantie qu'il aura le succès qu'il mérite.
Agréez mes compliments et mes félicitations.—Votre sincère M. GARCIA.
About the same time Hermann Klein received a letter from the old teacher, and the handwriting, he tells me, was not quite so firm as usual. Indeed it is evident that Señor Garcia was not feeling at all himself at this time, for in the note he says—
"As to my health, it is less brilliant than I should like, but it is passable;" while a postscript is added showing that he himself realised that his hand was rather shaky: "Can you read this scribble (ce barbouillage)?"
After this there appears to have been considerable improvement, for on May 24 he wrote to congratulate Charles Klein on the success of his new piece at the Duke of York's Theatre, and on this occasion the handwriting was much clearer and steadier than it had been five weeks earlier.
(Translation.)
"MON ABRI," CRICKLEWOOD,
LONDON, 24th May 1906.
Dear Mr Klein,—My paper informs me that you have just obtained a great theatrical success. I congratulate you with all my heart.
Would you have the kindness to send me your actual London address? I have a little parcel for your brother, which I beg you will convey to him. It is a portrait that he has asked of me, which he desires to present to Mme. Sembrich.
One of these days, when I feel in the mood (en train), I shall go to see "The Lion and The Mouse."
My respects to Mrs Klein, and to yourself a hearty and cordial handshake. M. GARCIA.
In June Charles Klein sent a box for the Duke of York's Theatre, and Señor Garcia went to see the piece, which he thoroughly enjoyed. This was the last dramatic performance which he attended, and indeed the drama of his own life was drawing to a close.
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On Sunday, July 1, the end came: the beloved maestro passed away in his sleep, calmly and peacefully, at the age of 101.
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