Wednesday, 11 June 1873

I feel more cheerful — could it be from my prayer? I dare not hope so. Everyone went to bathe; they were to meet Daniloff and company. I stayed behind. At lunch Mme Daniloff brought M. Khalkionoff, whom his mother has left with Mme Daniloff to look after. I can say nothing of him — I see him for the first time. An ugly boy, simple — I say nothing more — like all boys. I do not like society of that sort. Papa took him to our studio to see; he sometimes assumed the knowing air. They say he paints well.
Then we went to the Villa Audiffret. This villa suits us — it is not very elegant, but comfortable, proper, and that is a great deal. With all that, fairly inexpensive. There will be a croquet set. We took the young man home (to Mme Daniloff's), then Maman and my aunt to the station. I went with Dina to fetch my parasol; it is very pretty — just as I wanted it; I am satisfied. Then home to fetch Papa and Markevitch. We took a few turns and went to Rumpelmayer's for ice cream, sending the carriage away; Papa went home.
To return we took a cab — we did not cut a fine figure in that cab: three of us and Prater the dog on the seat. It was thus that we met Richard. Today they fitted me for the corset and the blue dress from Auda's; she knows very well how to do things — I need say nothing to her as I must to others; she gives all the nuances of the cut herself, that particular style I cannot make others understand.
I am much more cheerful; I feel lighter. Thank God!