Diary of Marie Bashkirtseff
CZENUKFR

Sunday, 6 July 1873

The Russian church is under repair and there are no more services until October. Around four we went for a sea bath. I threw myself from the pier and the boat to show Maman, and I promise myself and the others not to wet my hair anymore — the water makes it dark, which distresses me. I give my word of honour not to wet it — except, of course, in certain extraordinary cases where I shall be in company where there might be someone who... But in Nice, in summer, I shall no longer throw myself from the pier.
After dinner, Maman, Dina, Marie Bogdanovna, and Papa went to see the procession. I stayed behind because Paul was to come for me in a cab. There were two of us; the carriage was quite good and the horse very fast. This procession is rather fine, but I am no judge, for I detest all these theatrical displays. It is a sacrilege, to my mind. They carry the Holy Virgin through the whole town. In my opinion, even images and statues of the saints are a sin. It is against my religion — but I can see the errors in my own as well. May God forgive me! But my faith is true, honest, pure.