Thursday, 28 September 1876 (16 September) — Pranks and Provincial Ennui

The idea was to go to Pacha's country house, but his mother is here — so I content myself with telegraphing, writing letters, and sending two parcels containing pieces of cardboard, old playing cards, knitting wool, hairpins, and so on. Pacha will pay the postage.
Alexandre says nothing; I wait, and I am furious. I have written to him — he thinks one can lead me around like a chained bear...
I want to take back all the papers from him and entrust everything to the honest Etienne.
The French servant Victor has fallen ill; they say he is flushed and swollen. I am very uneasy, and it seems to me that I am burning and swelling too. I place myself under the protection of God, who has always been good to me.
I weep from boredom, I want to leave... I am miserable here, I am wasting my time, my life; I am wretched, I am rotting away, I am suffering, I am on edge — oh, that is exactly the word!
My father has written all my telegrams; they all love me here — but this life makes my skin crawl!
God, Lord Jesus, get me out of here!