Diary of Marie Bashkirtseff
CZENUKFR

Sunday, 27 August 1876 (15 August) — Evening Entertainment and Paternal Guidance

Tea was brought in and around the table I was obliged to hum through the entire Offenbach repertoire and to imitate the fashionable actresses, to excite admiration for my "French" manner and my memory.
At ten o'clock Papa gives the signal for departure, entrusting Paul with the young men, who all lodge in the red house with him. I went to find them in the portrait room to beg Miloradovitch to prevent them from drinking over there. He promised me he would, tenderly kissing my hand. When they had gone, my father escorted me to my room with a torch. He plays the true father. His eyes never leave me, and if I disappear for an instant he goes in search of me.
— You know, he said, while Amalia was helping me into my dressing gown — we were speaking Russian — I may be too strict, but the more one carries oneself with dignity, the more respect one commands from what one calls "young men." You must be less of a butterfly and...
— I! But I am not in the least. I am freer here, but there are no strangers and Gritz is an old friend.
— Yes, yes, all that is very well, but I am a true father and I am fulfilling my duty.
— That is very kind of you; I appreciate such things.
— You know, in your world — over there — people do things that way. I remember when I was courting Maman, they would leave us alone; everyone would sit drinking until five in the morning, the late-night parties were such that... well, you understand, it is not good for a young lady, because there is always a crowd of spongers, or frivolous people who seek only amusement. Here I want everything to be proper, and believe me you will be the more appreciated for it. In any case it was ten o'clock when we parted. That was the right time.
— Yes, that is true, and it is right.