Diary of Marie Bashkirtseff
CZENUKFR

Monday, 10 March 1873

Very fine weather but no sun.
Our day. We had a good many callers; I came in for only a minute to ask Maman something, in my capacity as a young girl. Markoff, Nikiforoff, and Abramovitch were there. I am very pleased with my conduct. Before entering, I went up the stairs and looked at myself in the mirror there — I was white, pink (pretty).
To the promenade (vicuna outfit). A fair number of people.
I saw posters: "3, 5, 7 April — Grand International Pigeon Shooting Competition."
Imagine my joy. Oh! if he would take part — but no, he is not here and he will not come. I know he is in Paris with......her.
It is so long since I have seen Boreel; before I saw him every day, and now he keeps to the proverb: "If you would be adored, you must make yourself desired!"
I am bored without him, I am sad; my face has taken on a pensive and languishing expression at times — especially today.
From the carriage I saw Boreel pass on foot at the promenade. There were two of us — myself and Mlle Collignon. Incidentally, she carries herself so badly; she has become disagreeable again — I wish she would go away.
We had stopped to pick up Papa, who did not want to come. The moment the carriage moved, I saw him — he looked at me. It is a pity he saw me with a sad air; and then I blushed ever so slightly — that must have made me pretty; he will take it on his own account, though it is partly for him, but I do not want him to know it. Ah! he knows it already too well — I was glad to see him. Without them, I am not myself. Then we turned; he was still on foot, in the Rue du Lavoir, talking with the same man and looking through the gate of house No. 25.
There — another book finished. How much I write!