Diary of Marie Bashkirtseff
CZENUKFR

Monday, 27 October 1873

My alarm clock, which I thought was all right, stopped at eleven and I slept until half past six.
We go out at four o'clock, mainly for errands. I bought another alarm clock and I -- oh joy! -- saw Gioia! I saw in the Rue du Pont-Neuf a hat like the one I have been looking for these eight months! I turn, I go in, and I order one in black -- and only thirty francs. I am so pleased!
From there we go to Maizonie's to choose a dress for Bete.
They will come to alter the Worth dresses tomorrow.
I am empty; I am unhappy!
Solominka is with us; she is a good little creature.
[Written across the page: Stupid viper, this Solominka.]
But I write, and I nearly weep -- my new alarm clock does not work. It is maddening! Oh, my God! Why will it not work? It is truly wretched! Maman is no better. My God, heal her!
Papa behaves like a madman. I am inconsolable; I shall never be consoled.
If only I hear something of him!

Notes

In English in the original. ↩