Friday, 25 June 1880

At the Opera, with the Gavinis, the Count and Countess Murat, Chaudordy, Nervo, de Graves, Rivoli, etc. The Marquis Casa-Riera came with his gentleman-in-waiting; we chatted and he invited me to call on him. You know, it is quite acceptable, and ladies and young girls do visit him. I made my effect on the house, paying little attention to our own party, entirely devoted to posing, gazed at through opera glasses by the Jockey Club set, the King of Naples, and so on.
The Gavinis, learning that I have dismissed Soutzo, say there is only one thing for me to do: go marry a rich man in Russia and come back to enjoy life, instead of wearing out my youth daubing canvases. The French want dowries... But Soutzo too --- yet he feels a bit like he is from my country. Why does he not write? I have just had some champagne while supping with my aunt and I am a little tipsy. Do you not find that red wine looks dreadful in the lamplight? It passes tolerably well at dinner, but in the evening it is horrid. Besides, I put in less than a quarter glass and fill the rest with water; I drink a great deal, sometimes five or six glasses, and if it were wine it would be ugly --- as I tell you, one sixth wine and five sixths water. But champagne is different; one only really enjoys it at a late-night supper.
Why does Soutzo not write? Where is he? I modeled from half past six to half past seven; it is great fun.