Regarding Agathe Bayonne Schweizer

June 12, 1901

Dr. Sanguis,
Though I've declined your many attempts to have me 'feed' - to use your word - on you
it may interest you what it feels like according to my old governess who knew of my family's
affliction. As she was the first to become aware of my own condition and I have recently
found myself in need of relief she has taken me in. She has become a willing participant
in providing that relief.

For my part, the feeling can only be described as the worst pain beginning in the head,
then the whole body, my vision begins to go and soon I begin to hear and see things that
aren't there. The only cure for this is, as you know, touching someone else - via skin contact.
At first I could only siphon off the emotion felt in that moment. Now, especially with prolonged
contact, I can pull a specific emotion and receive flashes of memories the giver probably would
not wish for me to know. It's the opium high I've heard others tell about. Having no noticeable
effect from substances, I cannot know myself.

However, my former governess and friend has written her experience for your research - in German
for your convenience.

Hope this helps
Ever yours,

E. J. Ratavoloira

Attached

Dr. Sanguis,
My little Josette has told me you wish to know about my employment within the
Ratavolira household. Emilia was five when I first began. I trust, given your research, you don't wish to know of the holidays, lessons, or even attitudes towards me.

My Mia was a very bright & clever child, one of the most beautiful face I had ever beheld - one even adolescence never marred. This is something, you'll agree Doctor, is very beneficial to a creation such as our Mia. (She was very aware of her beauty but never vain.)

Signore & Signora Ratavoloira were often indifferent to their daughter but did well by her ensuring she had a liberal education and the proper instruction of any young lady in society.

I knew something was off the day I stepped into the home. In any room Vasco and Rosemonde the curtains were drawn and they rarely stepped out of doors in fine weather. The other house staff were quiet, pale, often mute and all seemed affected with the same nervous disorder yet were unwaveringly devoted to the family.

When we travelled Sig. and Sigra. were sure to take their favorite bottles of wine. Their friends and relations in Geneva and Milan also were pale as the Ratavoloiras, did not venture outside and were angelically beautiful.

There were times when the Sig. and Sigra. became quite hostile but never harmed me or their daughter. After being a year in their home and forming a strong attachment to Emilia I was informed of iheir condition. I thought they were mad at first and I worried for the safety of dear Josette, but them proof was given me.

My safety was assured. I was there to help protect and educate their daughter. Others in their family did not view Emilia favorably and there were others who would wish to see them and her destroyed.

I along with her parents waited to see if one day Mia would find some fondness for their 'favorite wine' but that day never came. I recall over the years there were days when I was distraught from the danger I felt at the hands of the relations of the family, or joy or some other emotion for personal reasons and Josette would caress my hand and those feelings would go away - she would then have an intuitive knowledge of what caused it.

The days following I felt weak and meddled but in her presence I was always at ease. These moments increased as she aged. I feel it is my duty to make sure my Josette has everything she needs.

- Agathe Bayonne

[Postcard]
15 May, 1902
Miss Agathe Boyanne
Lugano, It.

Cara amica,
Che temp ti manca! Ameresti questo
stile Liberty. Spero che questa
lettera to trovi bene.
- Giosetta

[Translation]
Dear friend, 
What a time you are missing!
You would love this Liberty Style. 
Hope this letter finds you well. 
- Josette

Type

Text, Letter

Agathe Schweizer (nee Bayonne), formally of Lugano, Swiz. now Zurich, has been admitted to Burgholzli under the care of Dr. Eugene Bleuler. She is the wife of Isidor Schweizer, the well known merchant. We pray for her swift recovery.

15 Nov, 1906, Neue Zurcher Zeitury