Tuesday, 2 December 1873

In eight days.
Worth has sent me several samples, but nothing suits me; I shall write again.
I am in a thick fog; I take part in nothing; nothing interests me; I am so sad. Paul causes me great sorrow too -- he is always at the theatre, goes every day to Marie Petit's, and... a lost boy. He is like a madman; he understands nothing. Great God, deign to enlighten him! I myself have never been like this. Complete apathy. I eat almost nothing; I am growing pale.
Before, going out was a distraction -- going to the promenade, seeing society; now I go out little, rarely. Mme Vigier could put a house on her head and it would mean nothing to me. There is no excitement, no society, no season. Oh, my God, when wilt Thou grant us the grace of changing our town and above all our life? Every moment I am ready to weep; if I laugh it is nervous, or spiteful, or foolish. Me, having nerves!! What nonsense! Our dwelling is dreadful; we live in a shop; every swine comes to buy flowers. I spoke to Sacco, and she says nothing can be done about it -- it is their shop.
I am furious! It is a real misfortune! This year is a trial; I implore God to be merciful to me, not to... no, if He wills, let His will be done... I cannot help beseeching Him.
Since we left my dear Acqua Viva everything has gone wrong. I sleep too little and I have not even the time to express my misery!
I hung a bottle of wine from the dining-room lamp with the same sign (written by me) that was opposite Acqua Viva in the Rue de France. It will be a tavern for the coachmen of those who come to buy flowers. Misery of miseries!
My God, do not punish me for my complaints! Grant, I beseech Thee, that we may live as I desire!
There come moments of absolute and dreadful, dreadful despair! God Almighty, calm me a little. Oh, grant that we may live well, as I should wish.