Roulin 4 to Theo

4 January 1889

Monsieur Gogh,

I am truly happy today. I went to the hospital to get my friend Vincent and take him for a little fresh air. We went to the house, he was pleased to see his paintings again; we stayed four hours; he has completely recovered, it is really surprising. I am very sorry my first letters were so alarming, and beg your pardon for it. I am glad to say I have been mistaken in his lot. He only regrets all the trouble he has given you, and is sorry for the anxiety he has caused. Don't worry; I will do all I can to give him some distraction; one of these days he will leave the hospital and go back to his paintings. That is all he thinks of, he is a sweet as a lamb.

The intern was rather uneasy about letting him go, so I told him that I would take it upon myself to accompany him and bring him back to the hospital. By the time you receive my letter, I shall be with him again to spend some hours together. The intern and Vincent have agreed to meet me tomorrow at the Café Ginoux so that he can show his paintings.