Friday, 13 June 1873

The weather is delicious — fresh, a little rain, the gentlest breeze; a day like Baden-Baden (violet dress, oilcloth hat). One could not see my dress, for I put on my waterproof; I wore my aunt's set of earrings — she gave them to me; my neck very low-cut, the black coat with nothing separating the neck from the coat, it seemed whiter than usual. This fresh, damp weather refreshed me; I was pretty — yes, pretty: pink, white, my hair under this black hat was golden, half pinned up; the earrings were nearly the same colour as my hair. I am fairly pleased with myself. They sent me the carriage, and I went alone to Mme de Mouzay's to find Maman and go with her to the Villa Baquis, which she visited this morning and finds very good. There I found M. and Mme Anitchkoff. I was coming in; they were going out.
The villa is very beautiful — a noble house, fine, large; the garden is very beautiful too. There are many rooms. In a word, it is very good. One thing torments me: I shall be deprived of my greatest happiness — seeing him. Being on the Promenade, even at the back of the Acqua Viva I could go to the terrace, and as reward for my patience in going every day — at every moment I have to myself — I manage to see him at least twice a month. I can see him only in this way. I do not know him. He does not go into society! Whereas in this villa I shall see him no more. I shall be able to see him only on my drives — and not even then. I have never seen him (ah! yes — once, the first time) walking. He goes to her house and returns from her house; that is all. And then, in the carriage, I shall blush — they will know. It is better not to think of it! It is too hard!
From the villa Maman went to Mme Anitchkoff's and I went to fetch my aunt and Dina. They too found the house good, and we are agreed: the price, five thousand five hundred francs for the year. Tomorrow we sign the lease. Then there will be no more delay and I can go to Vienna. And there... oh, I am foolish! At dinner a dreadful quarrel — Grand-papa and Maman, over Collignon. Grand-papa allows himself too much; I am indignant. That horrible Moltchanoff came. I wanted them to say no one is at home, but Papa wished to receive him. Maman and the others went down to the garden to receive him. He repels me; I suspect him of being some kind of agent. How imprudent they are! So many people have deceived us. I cannot understand it — to receive in one's home a stranger, a suspicious character. They themselves recognize it and still receive this man. They will regret it.
Papa allowed himself to speak ill of my name; I seriously asked him to restrain himself. He even spoke of bills, etc. I explained to him that I owe him nothing, that I live on my own money, and that he gives me nothing.
I believe the ladies took the spy in their carriage — to Monaco! Oh! rage! Oh! horror!!!!