Thursday, 12 March 1874

Yesterday I lunched at the London House with my aunt; on our way out the baron passed us in his carriage and raised his hat quite high. If he had wished, he could have not seen us; it was very far.
Collignon has left, I believe; I know only that there were rather great troubles on her account at home.
On Tuesday evening she bade me farewell and I gave her a medallion.
It is cold today; I put on the white neckerchief -- I who never wear anything. The heavenly body that gives etc. barely appears, as in Russia during winter. The cold pinched my cheeks and ears; I love that so! The cold revives me, makes me pleased with myself and with others. Twice I did not greet Lewin, and I was wrong, for in the evening we learned that this ball was organized by twelve persons, each giving fifteen hundred francs, and there was to be a seated supper -- the whole for two hundred persons only, and no more.
Lewin could say nothing but the truth. The invitation list had been closed for three days.
He must have called on us and we knew nothing of it, for it is only today that my aunt discovered a card from M. Hartung. God grant that time pass more quickly, that we may already be at home, well settled and living as I wish! Maman is ill, Dina too, Paul too -- it is very tiresome.
I believe that Mlle de Galve, M. Zveguinzoff and the prince on horseback went all around the town, for I met them on the Rue Saint-Francois and even in our little street. The prince turned and as I too turned to look at la Galve, it was awkward.
The little count looks as usual, and I do not know whether I should be angry or laugh. There are so many discussions about the cypresses of our villa; my opinion is that they should be cut down -- they are not handsome and regular, but frizzy, and give a gloomy air to the whole property.
I so enjoyed my walk; it is so fresh, so fine.
We were at Simone's several times; she will fit my grey dress tomorrow, at last! We are thinking of riding on horse-
[Ed. note: a drawing by Marie appeared here in the diary.]
-back; my bodice is not yet made. I am cheerful today.
What is infamous is that I blush when they say "Brunet" -- I could have killed myself, so furious am I!
Almighty God, grant that I no longer blush for this servant -- and it is because Maman had the air of pronouncing his name in a certain way... My God, it is dreadful!

Notes

In English in the original.