Diary of Marie Bashkirtseff
CZENUKFR

Saturday, 29 March 1879

Mademoiselle Oelsnitz went with my card to Gambetta, who sends tickets back. But let us first say that the painting is going well — it is beginning to come together — there is something good in it, etc. etc.
In old Gavini's absence we only go at two o'clock. That is quite early enough for the session in progress. Instead of the divorce — railways! I was not so bored as I thought myself foolish for sitting there bored before the handful of deputies who had remained. My aunt still kept watch over Gambetta's secretary, who would look at me only after having first looked for a long time in the opposite direction — as I do when I want to throw someone off the scent... I do not say he does it for that reason! I am too wretched to believe that anyone pays attention to me — but it was that he was eyeing the public galleries, where there is nothing but riffraff, so then —