Diary of Marie Bashkirtseff
CZENUKFR

Sunday, 28 February 1875

# Dimanche, 28 février 1875

We went for a walk, Nadinka, Marie and I, in this beautiful Sunday weather, and admired Gioia — that adorable creature — I above all others, to the point where I admit only two women to be worth anything at all: she and I.

Nous nous sommes promenées, Nadinka, Marie et moi par ce beau temps de dimanche et avons admiré Gioia, cette adorable créature, moi surtout, c'est au point que je n'admets que deux femmes qui vaillent, elle et moi.

We leave Marie at her house and come home to dinner. She returns at eight o'clock and we go to the opera to see Dinorah, which is said to be well staged here. We take all the children — Stiopa, Julie, Liouba — everyone looked at us when we came in, and when I began to settle these little men, Marie was not much bigger than they were, and I in my white dress simply coiffed, my hair curled loose down my back, did not look much like anyone's mother — and Nadinka too, very young in black, receded into the background. Truly, if it were not for my height one would give me twelve years. Once seated, I made them eat oranges and ate some myself, so that the box was as delightful a sight as could be imagined.

...nous allons à l'opéra, voir "Dinorah"... Nous emmenons tous les enfants, Stiopa, Julie, *Liouba*, tout le monde nous regardait quand nous entrâmes... moi en robe blanche et coiffée simplement, mes cheveux bouclés sur le dos, n'avais pas bien l'air d'une maman... si ce n'était pas ma taille on me donnerait douze ans. Une fois placés, je leur fis manger des oranges et en mangeai moi-même de sorte que la loge était on ne peut plus plaisante.

It amused me and I smiled while surveying the audience, well filled this evening — with its Audiffret, who was also looking and smiling. In my poverty of society, that is my sole consolation. Is it not absurd that this Englishman has gone? The detestable count has called several times already, but I have never received him.

...Dans mon dénuement, c'est mon unique consolation. N'est-ce pas absurde que cet Anglais soit parti. Le détestable comte est déjà venu plusieurs fois, mais je ne l'ai jamais reçu.