Tuesday, 18 February 1873

To the promenade (blue dress) with Sophie; we took her to this lady's house and went for a drive — quite a lot of people, but not like before. Gioia was wearing a magnificent dark red velvet dress.
Yesterday I was on the point of believing that I love Boreel, [Can you imagine! I was on the point, etc. And yesterday I admired him merely as a friend! What a head. The thing is, to better prove my point, I exaggerate to show how dismissed Boreel is — I talk nonsense.] but today, when I remembered the moment when the Duke of Hamilton was near me, when I remembered him, his stature, his bearing, his broad chest, his voice — I can love only him, and I love him!
Oh! Lord, let me see him at least once a week, but when I am alone. I am so happy to see him — oh! if only my dreams could become reality!