Friday, 4 April 1873

Fine weather. I do not know what to wear. It is too warm for winter dresses.
I still have nothing new from Paris; they sent samples, but I do not like that kind of thing — it does not suit my age; they offer foulard silks, faille silks, etc. — that is worthless. I am in a dreadful humor; I am cross (blue and grey dress — not smart). In the carriage — few people.
Markevitch has become a member of the family — good-natured. [In the margin: A great scoundrel — sly and cowardly, a wicked viper, this Markevitch.]
At the promenade I saw young Audiffret — I name him because he was absent for a long time. Him too — Gioia is ruining him! Horror! I cannot remain calm at these thoughts.
We went to all the shops looking for grey batiste; at Maizonié's I saw Madame and Mademoiselle Bellotti — we spoke; they are very kind.
When I look around, I see that everyone is kind and good — how can one not love everyone? One can live so happily, being on good terms with all.
I was furious at not being able to find anything — in a very bad humor. At last, at New Scotland I found what I wanted and am happy. When I think how little it takes for my contentment and my discontent.
And Mortier has not received the hats I wanted — she cheats, the scoundrel! What a difference between my journal of before and that of today. The old one will be interesting in a hundred years even, because it is full of declarations, of my feelings, my impressions, the moments when I saw the one I love, the way he looked at me. [In the margin: It is almost the opposite.]
And now — hats, dresses, useless descriptions, etc. — which I shall find incomprehensible and stupid in some time. But then I saw the one I love, and I was inspired by him. I no longer dare ask God to make his acquaintance, since He does not even grant me the grace of seeing him. The moments when I saw him, when I had him near me, when I felt his breathing behind me — now seem to me no more than a dream. He did not suspect what upheaval took place in me at his approach; he looked at me as at everyone (he looked at me a great deal, but I dare not explain his gaze in any way) — not suspecting that one of his glances made me happy! He does not know that I love him. He did not understand my blushing at his arrival; he did not even trouble himself to understand it. He does not know that I no longer live without him. I go out for the sake of going out, and dress merely to be covered. It is a great change in me. Before, I had a purpose in going everywhere — the hope of meeting him. Now I have no interest save the desire to see him, to know him, to love him, to be loved by him! My God!!!