Saturday, 6 June 1874

I learn a fine story: Paul had taken his watch case to sell it; the man came to ask whether he should hand over the money; Maman forbade him. I was very frightened at first, not knowing what it meant. My yellow hat bores me terribly; I am in a bad humor on account of it. At five o'clock we go out. I so detest going out as we do, walking step by step along the boulevards, not knowing where one is going or what one will do. And then I am greatly humiliated to be within range of the often impertinent stares of all those men at the cafes; often I should like to thrash the scoundrels.
I do not know how it happened -- I said nothing extraordinary -- but my mother bolted and ran across the boulevard and the rue de la Paix to the hotel. I returned calmly with the rest and told her she may make all the scenes she likes, that nothing will astonish or distress me. Thereupon she went off, but came back after ten minutes. Then I went out with her; we went to Virot's, then, picking up the rest and taking [Crossed out: a cab] a carriage, to Worth's for further explanations. Besides, I believe it is all well settled; they apologize nicely, and may God be with them, for I am keen to return to their house.
We go along the Champs-Elysees when Fedus passes as the other day. Maman said: He is delighted and he looks as if he were seeing relatives. He did not turn a hundred times, for I could see him, being in the front. We saw the young Souvoroff on horseback; she bowed with a great many smiles, and one of her cavaliers bowed to me three times, smiling. He looked foolish and shy and was no doubt not mistaken.
Then Maman had the carriage stop in front of the Morenos', sent for him; he came down and invited us up, which we did. Matildita was very pleased to see me. We touched on everything lightly. The failed Don Juan is always the same; Madame is amiable, but perhaps it is only an idea of mine -- I believe she is still jealous of Maman. Besides, everything went very well. It was not Remy the other evening at the theater.
The Grand Prix is not tomorrow.

Notes

Maman's remark in Russian.