Diary of Marie Bashkirtseff
CZENUKFR

Friday, 28 April 1876

And at six o'clock we were once again in the railway carriage. I fell asleep several times and always had frightful dreams — nightmares.
At eleven o'clock I lay down so as not to see the olive trees and the red earth; and at one thirty-five we alighted at Nice station, to the great joy of my aunt who was bustling about in the company of Collignon, the Sapogenikoff girls and Trifon, and Lefèvre.
- You know, I cried to them before the carriage doors were opened — you know, I am very sorry to arrive here but I could not do otherwise!
I kissed them all at once.
Dina, my aunt, Giro, and I in a cab; the others in a landau.
During the drive there was time to recount almost all our exploits.
The Sapogenikoffs and Collignon got out at number 7. I got into the carriage with Maman, my aunt, and Dina.
I shall give you a sketch of domestic affairs. Collignon merely does us the honour of lodging with us. She spends her time at the Sapogenikoffs', and during the rare moments at home she employs them in telling Grand-papa and my aunt that the Sapogenikoff young ladies are angels and receive ill-treatment only from me and Dina.
Moreover she displays a passion for Barnola of which Grand-papa is furiously jealous.
The house is furnished in an adorable fashion. My room is dazzling, and opening the balcony door and looking at our very pretty garden, the Promenade, and the sea, I was obliged to say aloud: