Tuesday, 18 March 1873

The weather is so dreadful! Wind, rain, hail. I have never seen anything like it in my life. It is as dark as at seven in the evening. It is the worst weather I have ever seen! And how it bores me. The order of things is changed; we do not go out. Besides, it has been nearly a fortnight of bad weather; during this time I have become quite unaccustomed to seeing people. At the promenade one sees only a few unknown persons. The old regulars do not go out, or have left. It is sad. I cannot live like this. I am bored from seeing no one anymore. It is not Boreel I wish to see, but everyone. I put this down so that when reading my journal in some time I do not think that, not wanting to name him, I speak in general terms — but no, he did not even come into my head when I was writing. I think almost no longer of him. I think only of him — of the one I love! Where is he, oh! my God? Wherever he is, my prayer follows him; I pray God to preserve him, to ward off from him all unpleasantness, all dangers, to protect him! My God! keep him safe and sound.
Mademoiselle Collignon is becoming disagreeable. Yesterday at dinner we were speaking of drawing rooms; I was saying my preference and did not agree with her, and among other things she told me I had never been in a fine salon. In an impertinent tone, I replied in kind and she left the table. Today during the lesson we resumed yesterday's conversation; I told her I did not like being spoken to in an impertinent tone; she answered back. We spoke while quarreling, but my conscience is clear — I said nothing excessive. I merely reproved her for her impoliteness toward us all, for if I have never seen a fine salon, neither has anyone else. She has already spoken for several months in the same sovereign's tone. I believe she is leaving, and I am not sorry. Before, when she was not as she is now, I would have missed her, but now — no.
I shall even be glad, for I shall have an English governess and I shall speak English. All these days the name of Hamilton comes up a little, and it gives me enormous pleasure — when I do not blush.