Diary of Marie Bashkirtseff
CZENUKFR

Tuesday, 20 May 1873

Fine weather. At half past nine I went with Maman to look at apartments. Mlle Collignon went to M. Lefevre's — nearly every day now she is absent — so I had nothing to do and went along. For I know that so long as I do not take things in hand, nothing will be done. This is not an idle boast; I have proved it several times. Indeed, I went today and we nearly took the apartment. I have, it must be confessed, a great deal of energy (pink dress — well). Then I came home and Maman went to Monaco to speak with Georges about that affair. I took Markevitch and we went in search of lodgings. I found something — and something very fine, right on the Promenade! By the sea! May God be willing to let us take it. At home,
I went down to Markevitch's and we made chocolate. She is a good child; we had a fine time. At dinner Dina hinted that I talk in the night about.... We were speaking of who is in love. She said she is not, but that Marie is, and that she talks in the night!! "And about whom, no less!...." She knows, for so they say, I talk in my sleep. Especially the last time I dreamed of him — I pronounced his name very distinctly. I was even surprised, for in sleep one barely speaks, and in speaking of him I pronounced his name so clearly that I nearly woke myself.