Friday, 28 May 1880

We go to hear Clemenceau’s interpellation concerning the forces deployed by the police on 23 May against demonstrations that never took place.
Cassagnac spoke, God knows why. He has grown a paunch and is decidedly fading. Mme Arnaud was seated beside me; she is ravishing despite her age. And no toilette, no make-up, no coquetry. But a charming voice.
We come out with Gavini, whom we leave with Montalivet, and go to try on dresses. I am seized with a frenzy of elegance.
I now have more than twelve new hats.
Mme Cross and Mlle Pelikan dine with us; they leave tomorrow.
With Pelikan, little Marie, and her mother, it makes something like company. I make myself look my best and find in the drawing room all these people plus Casimir, who must have betrayed me handsomely last night, for neither he nor the Audiffrets were at Mme de Bailleul’s. God knows why he came — he does not stay for dinner, frightened off by our hippopotamuses. I am a little vexed to be pretty for nothing.