Wednesday, 18 September 1878

I dreamt of cats and serpents, and I upset a salt cellar at luncheon. It makes me quite apprehensive. What is going to happen to me? And my left ear burning.
Not a word about the famous bouquet presented to Popaul in any newspaper — Le Pays alone has glorified its patron. Now Gambetta is on tour and is welcomed as a triumphator; Popaul commits the blunder of devoting entire articles to mockery that is amusing though worn out, and resembles impotent jealousies — and therefore ridiculous ones. He does not proceed according to — not my desires, but my apprehensions.
My nose keeps itching — another death I am about to hear of.

Notes

"Popaul": Marie's affectionate-mocking diminutive for Paul de Cassagnac.