Diary of Marie Bashkirtseff
CZENUKFR

Sunday, 14 July 1878

At eight o'clock we set off for Wiesbaden — my aunt, Madame Abaza, and I. We go to church and thence to dinner, causing a sensation among the promenaders. We were literally the only women properly dressed.
The Gerbels and the Lisanders are at rivalry — over whom, you ask? Over Lautrec! Lautrec considered as an eligible man — one must know small towns to understand these things.
Another day lost for Livy... and for what! For the pleasure of mocking all the passers-by and laughing in their faces.
Here is Madame Doubelt's reply. "Petersburg, 7 July [1878], 10 Zakariefskaya. Dear and charming Mademoiselle Marie! This time you will not accuse me of not replying, for I received your letter scarcely two hours ago. At the moment of reading it I had a visit from His Highness Grand Duke Constantin, and I took advantage of his presence on behalf of your protégé — but the Grand Duke replied that above all one must address oneself to Prince Orloff; I am therefore sending my request to Paris, and as soon as I receive a reply I shall let you know.
Paris must be magnificent at this moment, and how I envy your lot — for I, alas! shall not be able to return until the end of the year, when all our family affairs are settled, but then I shall establish myself for a long while. In the meantime believe me, dear Mademoiselle Marie, that we all remember you with pleasure and speak of you often. A. Doubelt."