In his note, Manet appeals, in frustration, to Duret, to use his influence to furnish him with a 'carte de circulation, qui me permette de partir au rendezvous', where he can work on his commission in the proper atmosphere and environment; without which, 'Je me trouve dans l'impossibilité de passer au devoir, quoique ce soit.'
By contrast, in the letter to Duret by Monet, the pervading atmosphere is much more confident. Duret has been helping to Monet in his search for clients, and a possible date for them to meet is being discussed. As Monet cannot be in at the suggested time, he asks Duret to come round anyway to see 'bon nombre de peintures' in case he sees something he likes the look of 'soit pour nous [to sell in Paris], soit pour Londres', saying 'je serai bien heureux de faire quelques ventes.' In the meantime, having made the arrangements to have Duret admitted ('J'ecris à mon concierge pour qu'il vous remette la clef'), Monet asks him to have a look 'parmi mes toiles', and to take the one of his choice as a token of thanks.

Théodore Duret was a contemporary art critic and friend of both Manet and Monet.