Wednesday, 16 April 1873

Horrible dust and wind. To church (vicuna garment), then home. These days we do almost nothing in the way of lessons — morning and evening at church.
At the promenade, on the bridge, we stopped our carriage to speak to M. Anitchkoff, when along came a hired carriage with a young man — tall, thin, dark — I looked at him, I thought I recognized someone, and indeed it was Lord Hamilton. I let out a cry of surprise.
— Oh! Carlos Hamilton!
They asked me:
— What is it?
And I said that Mlle Collignon had stepped on my foot.
He has nothing of his brother. All the same, I am more than pleased to see him. Oh! if only we could make his acquaintance, for through him one might come to know the Duke.
I love that one like a brother. I love him because he is his brother. Oh! I would like to know him — from him I could learn where the other is; with him I could speak of the other.
At home, Walitsky recounted what had happened. I managed fairly well — I did not blush. But at dinner, Walitsky suddenly said: His Grace the Duke of Hamilton, I blushed, I went to the wardrobe, I was flustered — there!
Maman reproached me for the cry, saying that my reputation, etc. etc. I believe she guesses a little, for every time someone says Hamilton, I blush, or else I leave the room abruptly, and so on. She does not scold me about the others — here, she suspects something; that annoys me a little.
In the evening, to church; returning home, we found M. Patton at our house.
I do not know what it means, but at church I have nothing in my head but dresses, etc. I must correct myself.
I can only pray properly at home, all alone.

Notes

In English in the original.