Diary of Marie Bashkirtseff
CZENUKFR

Friday, 9 January 1880

We are performing "Rain and Fair Weather" by L. Gozlan. The Baronne de Gontran - me. The Unknown Man - Prince Soutzo. Victorine - Dina. Anselme - the Comte de Courtes. Prompter - Gabriel. Stage Manager - the Marquis de Tarente.
The tall Bikowsky, who arrived recently, comes during the rehearsal, but we close the doors. Blanc is admitted and we rehearse. If only this Joseph affair were not troubling me!
When the pure, the adorable, the exquisite Gabriel leaves (at seven o'clock), it is no longer nearly so amusing, but we rehearse once more and then Courtes and I play duets, piano and mandolin. He is a good musician and it goes not badly at all.
Everyone is kept for dinner, and until midnight we are at the court of Ferrara. Verses are read. The Prince is rather an imbecile; the other two are as well, each in his own way.
"We have dazzled these two little foreign women," the Marquis and the Count must say to themselves. Oh dear, oh dear!
After all, one must have illusions in this world.