Nuenen, 2^nd half September 1884

Amice Rappard,

Just a few words in haste. My parents asked me whether I have had any further news about your visit. I told them that I supposed you would come in October in all probability, but that I did not know an exact date. ¹ Let me tell you quite privately that, though you will always be welcome, and are expected at any time, it would be more convenient for those at home if you came in October instead of in November, for instance, because of the fact that I believe they are expecting other guests later on, for which reason I myself may go and stay somewhere else in November.

You will see from what I say that not only I but my parents especially are counting on your coming, and that it would greatly disappoint us if your visit did not come off - so much so that I should regret having written you this if it shortened your visit by a single hour.

That my parents spoke about it was meant rather as a hint to me that certain people were expected to come in November, people who like my room better than my company; so I repeat, a hint to me that they would not be sorry if I were not at home, say, in November or perhaps the first half of December.

But most positively they as well as I are expecting you and we should all be disappointed if you did not come.

But as I have already told them that I intend to go on a trip in November, so as not to be in anybody's way, my parents are counting on that too.

So do come in October and stay as long as possible - just as you wrote in your last letter, for that matter. But I shall have to be away during November. It is very beautiful here. Only don't postpone your visit too long.

Goodbye, with a handshake,

Ever yours, Vincent

It is really damned inconvenient for me not to be here in November, and I suppose I shall stay in the neighborhood, somewhere in Brabant, after all. But as I think they are expecting guests, who are in the habit of coming in the beginning of the winter until, say, Christmas, I myself immediately told them of my intended trip, which in reality I had not planned at all, and should not have thought of without a special reason.

Something else - if you come, let me know what train you're taking and please come by way of Eindhoven, so that I can meet you at the station there. Then we'll go together to that fellow I'm making those decorations for - the six canvases I wrote you about. That art lover is now copying them, and all six of them are at his house. He is a very pleasant fellow, by profession a goldsmith and a chaser of brass and other metals for church decorations, etc. if you leave Utrecht early in the morning, I think you will be in Eindhoven a little before or after twelve o'clock. That would be exactly the best time for us to go there together, and we can either take the train or walk to Nuenen toward evening.

1. See letter 380 to Theo of September 30, 1884.