Thursday, 1 July 1880

Mademoiselle Marie del Sarte, who gave me my first sculpture lessons, and her sister dined with us this evening. When paying for the lessons, I gave the young lady a small ring; I owed her at least that --- she charged only twenty francs for four lessons. I was ashamed to give her so paltry a sum. They are two adorable girls; I believe they see good society, as their father was a celebrated figure, the singing teacher Real del Sarte.
The elder is thirty-two, very tall, rather stout, dark with admirable eyes and a radiant complexion, but an air of modesty and piety robs her of the brilliance her beauty ought to have. Magdeleine is twenty-seven; one would take her for twenty-two. Adorably blonde with hair that falls to her knees. Black eyes, a pure brow, a delicious complexion, fresh and softened by grey tones. A proud nose and that ash-blonde hair, altogether remarkable. Both well-bred, charming, good-natured. I spent a pleasant evening. What ravishing honest natures --- they told me stories of Julian's kindness and generosity that ought not to surprise one in so refined a man with so delicate a mind. All the same, it is a good mark for the R. P. Julian. I gave them tickets for the Chamber yesterday.
They know the Audiffrets and made my blood boil by saying that Mme Audiffret has an enormous number of connections and goes out in society a great deal. It is only I who am shut in, I know. Things would change now that it is too late; as a young girl, I can do nothing anymore. [Blacked out: half a line]

Notes

Marie's mock-honorific "Reverend Father" (Reverend Pere) for Rodolphe Julian, founder of the Academie Julian.