Diary of Marie Bashkirtseff
CZENUKFR

Saturday, 3 April 1880

Courtes goes off to his Angouleme. Our usual company. Soutzo sends a marvelous basket from Labrousse's of flowers -- roses, camellias, lilacs, etc. -- and in the middle, strawberries on stems in earth. In addition, a basket of enormous strawberries.
This evening we go to the Venezuelan legation. Miranda sent the invitation. The Spanish colony is very elegant; the women are beautiful with beautiful shoulders, splendid diamonds; except for two or three mothers, there was not an ugly woman or one with those hideous exposures one sees at balls. That beautiful human flesh was a pleasure to see. My own exposed skin causes a sensation. I am dressed in a cloud of tulle as always, only I have passed through my sash the stems of a whole cluster of white lilacs that fell over the tulle, an entire large bouquet of branches. We are introduced to many people; I dance. We make the acquaintance of several ladies. Andrieux comes to greet us and renew his offers of service on any occasion.
He did not introduce his wife, who was there, although Maman complimented him on her beauty. A tall, thin, pale blonde woman with blond curly hair; rather pretty.