Monday, 12 May 1873

Last evening, having gone to bed, Markevitch came to sit on my bed and we laughed a great deal and talked nonsense. I told her my fancies — the salons I have invented, the gowns, and the house I would like to have. It is truly beautiful, this house, and what salons! I believe that in the whole
world one could not find so much imagination. They are as rich, but in richness they can be equaled; in imagination, in originality, in grace — no. She too has much imagination and taste.
My bedroom — a shell in white satin, the lamps like pearls. It is fairylike! And yet I would not want any of this with one I do not love. I would want it with the Duke of Hamilton, for I love him. I love him so much that I cannot — and besides, there are no words to express it; I could not tell him; I would not know how.
At the promenade (violet dress — not good); we tried on the grey dresses. I believe I shall go to Vienna soon. God grant it!