Diary of Marie Bashkirtseff
CZENUKFR

Saturday, 22 March 1879

The background and the hair are a fine tone — on the whole it is coming along, it is more painterly — carry on, etc.
And then to Versailles. Thanks to tips, the ushers at the president's box are very attentive; there is a great crowd everywhere and the session was quite turbulent. Cassagnac — now confirmed — swaggered and made the floor creak under his heavy tread, interrupted from time to time, and stood before everyone with his arms crossed, head high, an air of hauteur. Why did that tall devil get married? What a fool...
I know them all by sight now — as they must know me too.
Robert Mitchell, whom Blanc was to have introduced — but it fell through because he received a sword wound and was laid up six weeks, after which it was forgotten and Blanc was done for. Only please do not believe I speak as I write. This Robert Mitchell is said to be the wittiest person in the world, and Blanc wished to flatter us both by bringing us together.
Madame Gavini said she would introduce him to me. But all of this dismays me! It is not what is needed. One would have to entertain! Let us not speak of that — it is too sad.
I have seen Monsieur Arnaud. He is very tall, slim, very well made, with excellent bearing — though very young. Hair, beard, and eyes very black, a bronze complexion — a Florentine of the fifteenth century. Very handsome. He came twice to our box: once to bring friends in, the second time to talk with those same friends. My aunt already believes it is a love affair. I believe nothing good can come to me — but it is something to occupy oneself with; I took particular care with my dress for this bronze. The return journey is dull. We have old Larrey and Monsieur d'Ariste, whom I dislike — and Gavini, naturally.
At the sound of Cassagnac's voice it seemed to me I recovered all the memories that had passed through my head since Thursday — like shadows...
But this evening I cannot find two words to say. We return from the theater with the Gavinis. Monsieur Dugué brought sweets but the operetta is tedious. Now I am going to lie down on the carpet in front of the fireplace — a fine Oriental carpet; when I have time I love to doze like that in an armchair or on the floor. It seemed to me that the elected member for Condom paid me rather less attention... relatively.