Diary of Marie Bashkirtseff
CZENUKFR

Monday, 7 April 1879

I worked until two o'clock; at two I rushed home, dressed, and Madame Gavini, Dina, and I went to the horse show at the Palais de l'Industrie. I have a black serge dress — quite plain, fitted, and short — the proper hat, and exquisite ankle boots. Monsieur de Morgan came to chat; he thought we were in Nice. I am pleasant and lively — I am introduced to young men, and we see several ladies with whom old Madame Gavini chats — two of them I know. I have apparently made a conquest of some marquis or other: a royalist, connected to all the best families, and quite good-looking himself. He asked to be introduced to me and Madame Gavini is delighted at the effect I have produced. She sees, she says, that I will only marry a rich man etc. etc. — but it pleases and amuses her all the same. The marquis has "20,000 francs of income and will have 80,000 — but his parents are young," adds the practical Adeline. She perhaps imagines she is my mother, and it amuses her. She came to report "Marie's conquest" to my mothers — and the whole day has cheered me.
Madame Gavini adores me — Rosalie adores me! In short. There is to be a ball arranged by Madame de Pourtalès, and Adeline wants to take me there; the marquis on learning this said he would absolutely go, then asked the said Adeline whether I went much into society and in which drawing rooms! Adeline answered that we are in mourning — she is genuinely fond of me, this woman — and since I pay her coquettish attentions and try to be brilliant in her presence, she watches me and is enchanted. It is the holidays now — it is now, she says, that you will see our friend here.
— What friend?
— The little one from the Chamber.
— ???
— Don't make faces — little Arnaud.
— I don't know him.
— Come now! But don't admire him too much — the other day, you know, he was driving a tandem, and yesterday his horse fell to the ground and he damaged it. He himself was unhurt, but he cannot drive.
— Yes — but we didn't see him; no doubt he was there, but I didn't see him. I'm sorry — I went partly on his account. He has a supple figure!
I would gladly pay thirty francs to draw his legs — they must have the delicacy of an Arab horse. Everyone is merry today. A hundred and eighty students offered a bouquet to Popaul, who delivered a speech that moved me no more than yesterday's — but no matter, the others are children beside him.