Tuesday, 30 March 1880

The Dowager Duchess de Fitz-James, who is president of the Little Sisters of the Assumption charity, invites us to take part in a sale, and we accept. It will be elegant.
They have spoken to her of my great talent, and a painting signed by me "will make the fortune of a lottery"; all these ladies will sell tickets, and the painting will be displayed in our booth.
Speaking of paintings, Julian tells me the acceptance of mine is beyond the shadow of a doubt.
Monsieur Vernhet, who was bringing Bouguereau, asked for my number to recommend me. Gaillard also spoke of it to Rapin and M. de Beaulieu -- these are good people, for after all I asked them for nothing, neither openly nor by allusion.
And then... but it seems to me it is time the fate of my painting were known...
I am busy making a small painting. This afternoon a comrade and I went to the rue Saint-Victor near the Pantheon, a neighborhood full of Italian models. It breathes Italy and the sun seems warmer.
Pelikan has left for Nice. Yesterday we stopped by Rosita de Miranda's, and she told me that the Queen (whom she saw a few minutes after us) told her I had the finest figure in the world.
Only do not fear that I shall do an Italian woman in Italian costume; I shall find something else.
Saint-Amand came... I would like him to act with me at our evening party, but he thinks himself too old. "Mme Turr made me the same request, and I refused."