Monday, 23 July 1877

In this very house there is an American woman who spent a winter in Florence and who, looking through my album, recognized Alexandre and named him to the baroness. At once I expressed to the latter my wish to meet the American. For I know and see no one here; my album had been taken to the drawing room as a curiosity. This American has a cousin who entertains a great deal in Florence.
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And this morning the baroness enters with a photograph in her hand. I look and recognize several faces: indeed, here are fourteen members of the Florence Jockey Club in carnival dress, costumed as playing cards. Mirafiore is the three of hearts, and the ace of hearts is Alexandre! On recognizing him I let out a cry that was almost involuntary.