Sunday, 7 March 1880

I work constantly but there is still nothing painted. And I have only until the 20th of March. If I make it, it will be amusing.
Soutzo and Courtes; we rehearse.
Soutzo wants to get Arnaud to speak of my letter, insult him, and suffer the consequences. It is a mad scheme and I forbid him to think of it, but he answers that I cannot prevent him from giving a lesson in good manners to a boor like Arnaud. But all those to whom I have spoken of the matter agree in finding the conduct of Gery (whom I have named to no one) stupid.
That is true; one has only to think about it for two seconds to see that our archangel is nothing but a simpleton. Alas, you see the Pure and ineffable Gabriel...
I prefer him all the same to Soutzo.