Tuesday, 13 November 1877

Monsieur Robert-Fleury's judgement is never in accord with Julian's, and so the latter often keeps his opinions to himself. But in any case Julian is only the supervisor; the gentlemen downstairs have Robert-Fleury, Boulanger, and yet another, while we have only Robert-Fleury — it is not fair.
There is to be a competition. First, a competition for places — so that chance does not sometimes give the best student a disadvantageous position while giving the contrary to someone who cannot make use of it. And then a competition lasting a full week. There will be one every two months. I believe Breslau strongly advises me to compete for the places, which will stand me in good stead in two months if not this time.
While waiting for the coupé which arrives at a quarter to eight in the evening, I study my écorché.