Diary of Marie Bashkirtseff
CZENUKFR

Thursday, 23 May 1878

Yesterday nothing happened, and today passed like yesterday
except that I am told there is an interesting session tomorrow at the Chamber, and I write this:
Be useful for once, by chance. Send me at least two tickets for tomorrow Friday. If you send them, I promise first to dress simply so as not to trouble you; [words blotted: that way I] release you from various social debts; moreover I shall say everywhere that you are well-bred, and I shall subscribe to Le Pays. I lay my veneration at your feet.
Marie.
I have begun to paint at the studio. Two oranges and a knife. Since my falling-out with Breslau I have been polite to Amélie, who is the most obliging of creatures, and who puts herself out for me — arranges my still life, gives me advice.
One does not work as well in spring as in winter. I am in revolt in every way. I want to walk, to dress, to dance, to flirt. But... raisons d'état...
Amen.