Monday, 10 February 1873

At breakfast, the young U. was told that his mother was very ill. Before he arrived, she was dead. It is dreadful for the child. I did not go to the pigeon shooting, and it caused me great sorrow. I cried like an animal — at the piano, in the afternoon, at dinner, and even in the evening.
The shooting, I do regret it, but it is above all the missed chance of seeing the Duke that troubles me.