Friday, 18 April 1873

A very fine, insignificant drizzle, at times nothing at all.
We were not at church in the morning, but at two o'clock, for the procession of the plashchanitsa, we went (black dress, grey hat, well coiffed, good) — the church was full. When everyone was going to venerate the plashchanitsa, I was looking at all those faces and all at once his face appeared — but alive, as if he were there, and beautiful. Never has he presented himself so distinctly; this time I saw him as though he himself were present, and he is handsome! And I love him. From this apparition my heart beat violently and I began to pray. Afterward I wanted to recall that dear face, but in vain — I see it no more. I saw it only that one moment; my efforts to summon it are futile! It was such great happiness for me! I adore him positively. I cannot compare this love to what I felt for Boreel.
This is the first time I truly love!... Oh! that apparition!... An idea struck me — there were many flowers near the plashchanitsa. Taking a daisy, I said to myself: this flower is holy, it lay near our Saviour; I shall pray to God through it, it will tell me. I saw him here, just now, he appeared to me — I shall ask this flower whether my desires will be fulfilled.
With a pounding heart I plucked its petals: yes, no, yes! Oh! my God, thank You — everything predicts my happiness! Oh! thank You, thank You, my God! You are so good! I believe in this last prediction; I believe in it — it is holy.
I must leave paradise and descend to earth. We went to Mme Teplakoff's, from there to the cemetery, then home. Before dinner I went a little to the terrace and read.
Oh! but my God, how I wish I could see that apparition again! He appeared to me as he truly is — I can no longer recall his face. They say one remembers least the faces one holds dearest; it is true.
I felt, as I have not felt in a long time — for all this while I was stupefied — how much I adore him. I do not say I love him; I say I adore him, for it is an adoration.
Gioia has left — they say for Russia, for that inheritance matter Simonoff left her.
And yet I could fear her — no, she is not an obstacle. He has her because he has not yet loved seriously, and she is a necessary piece of furniture in his position.
Oh! my God, make him understand that I love him! I beseech You.
In the evening, to church again.
I love, I love — my God, do not abandon me! Hear me! Holy Virgin, pray for me!

Notes

The plashchanitsa is a cloth representing Christ's burial shroud, venerated during the Orthodox Good Friday ceremony.