Saturday, 1 February 1873

At the promenade, Sophie bought a lovely hat; I bought a very pretty pair of ankle boots.
Once again, I think very clearly about my feelings. No, nothing is muddled deep down.
For Boreel, I have no love. No, I have no love. Here is how I have defined it all: I love them both equally, that is to say Boreel and the Duke the same. Therefore I can only give my preference now to the wealthiest, and also to the one who will love me best, since after all they are equal to me.
Yet I know that I love the Duke more — not because he is a duke, but for all his qualities.
I know, I am certain, that if I prefer him, all this gives me great pleasure; when I see Boreel, I cannot do without seeing one or the other.
If when I see Boreel I feel joy, it is a ray of sunlight that penetrates my heart when I see the Duke.
How strange, such a state!
All things considered, I still prefer the Duke. I should so like to know his age; I think he is twenty-eight. Ah! if only he would leave that woman — she does not love him.
Tomorrow she will love another who gives her money. She will ruin the Duke... My God, help me!
[Annotation: 1884. Stupidity, naïveté.]

Notes

This annotation was added by Marie herself in 1884, eleven years later, when she was reviewing her earlier diaries. Such later comments provide valuable insight into how she viewed her younger self's thoughts and feelings.