BUDDENBROOKS
October 8, 1846
Dear and honoured Parents,
The undersigned is overjoyed to be able to advise you of the happy accouchement, half an hour ago, of your daughter, my beloved wife Antonie. It is, by God’s will, a daughter; I can find no words to express my joyful emotion. The health of the dear patient, as well as of the infant, is unexceptionable. Dr. Klaasen is entirely satisfied with the way things have gone; and Frau Grossgeorgis, the midwife, says it was simply nothing at all. Excitement obliges me to lay down my pen. I commend myself to my worthy parents with the most respectful affection.
B. Grunlich.
If it had been a boy, I had a very pretty name. As it is, I wanted to name her Meta, but Grünlich is for Erica.
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