Tuesday, 4 November 1879

We go to see "Les Mirabeau," a new play, in two boxes with M. and Mme Gavini, Chaudordy, de Morgan, Gery and then Gabriel.
The heir of Russia and his wife are in a stage box and do nothing but look at us through their glasses; They saw clearly, says Mme Gavini, that we are people of proper standing and that there are no boors in our boxes.
I was not in the mood but I brought back from this evening a defense of Cassagnac and a greater love of liberty. Mme Gavini says she would have liked to live before the Revolution, in the time of privileges, at court... myself, if I had been born before the Revolution I would have made it, to the extent of my powers. Yes — but Cassagnac does not have the other's talent, he does not have the other's role either, he does not even have a cause to defend... so he is not excusable... But what the devil is he reproached for? What has he done? Improprieties... which I would not even concern myself with, were they of the utmost gravity, if the hero were greater.