https://brbl-dl.library.yale.edu/vufind/Record/4424730
The Real Tsaritsa, by Lili Dehn, 1923
https://archive.org/details/realtsaritsa00dehnuoft/page/242/mode/2up
English translation:
29th November, 1917.
TOBOLSK.
MY DEAREST,
I am for such a very, very long time without news of you, and I feel sad. Have you received my post card of the 28th October?
Everybody is well — my heart is not up to much, fit at times, but on the whole it is better.
I live very quietly and seldom go out as it is too difficult to breathe in frozen air.
Lessons as usual. "T" is as always. Zina has been to see her and O.V., who is very sad, she is always praying. Father Makari passed on on the 19th July.
Rumours have it that Gariainoff has married, but we do not know whether it is true. Aunt Baby drew this herself. How is Titi? — Granny — I want to know such, such a lot. How is Count Keller? Have you seen him in Kharkoff? The present events are so awful for words, shameful and almost funny, but God is merciful, darling. Soon we shall be thinking of those days you passed with us. My God, what remembrances!
Matresha has married, they are now all in P., but the brother is at the front.
I read a lot, embroider and draw (I have to do it all with my spectacles, am so old). I think of you often and always pray fervently for you and love you tenderly.
I kiss you very, very much.
May Christ protect you.
Your countryman is at Vladivostok and Nicholas Jakovlevitch is, I think, also in Siberia. I am so lonely without you all. Where is your husband and his friends? We are still expecting Ysa and the others.
I kiss Titi tenderly. Write, I am waiting so. Verveine always reminds me of you.
Above: Alexandra with Lili Dehn and Tatiana in happier times.
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