The Stars Are Right: The Irish Rose: Letter1

January 15, 1931

Aboard SS Valle Sere

Mssr. de Bonnevault

In accordance with your instruction, I enclose here for you both observations and information regarding Mdm. Weiss.

We arrived in Paris upon January 9, coming, as you know, direct from the Community in Lyon by rail. It was apparent at our departure that Mdm. Weiss was uncomfortable and not reconciled to our presence. All of us — with the predicted exception of Petit-Jean — made effort to be as unobtrusive as possible.

After examination of our suite at Hotel Victories, Mssr. Gautier agreed with my assessment that the rooms were secure — though not as easily defendable as we might require. After discussion between Mme. Flynn, Mssr. Gautier and myself — we concluded that moving to better-situated rooms would place further strain between Mdm. Weiss and ourselves. Mssr. Gautier assured us that he would be able to make such preparations as required to assure safety.

I, myself, completed our arrangements for ship-bound travel to the United States, booking for us a departure on the evening of January 12.

On the evening of January 11, Mssr. Gautier accepted a telephone communication for Mdm. Weiss, from Mssr. Antonio Grimaldi. As we knew this gentleman as an associate of Mdm. Weiss' husband, we allowed Mssr. Grimaldi to speak directly with Mdm. Weiss. It is noted that Mssr. Grimaldi expressed obvious surprise on discovering Mdm. Weiss traveling dans un family.

Mssr. Grimaldi asked for, and received a dinner engagement with Mdm. Weiss for that evening. We determined that it would be to future advantage to maintaining a cordial atmosphere, and did not prevent this social meeting. However Mssr. Gautier and Petit-Jean attached themselves at a discreet distance without Mdm. Weiss' knowledge.