Wednesday, 7 July 1880

Wodzinski poses, then to the Chamber with mother Gavini and my aunt. Same box as yesterday. Same crowd everywhere. The debate came but no one shone. They voted for the Labiche counter-proposal, which is the amnesty in disguise.
Cassagnac spoke and was rather dull. Then M. Mitchell and other jokers came to explain why they would vote for the amnesty. Ugh, all of that. Gambetta gave almost a speech on procedure... but at any rate I shall keep the newspapers for you.
I am in a grey dress, very smart. Mme de Bailleul dines with us and we talk about the session and about Popaul, of whom my imagination is full... I shall even fall asleep shortly thinking of him.
Gaillard told me something the other day that struck me. He says that what makes Gambetta's strength is that there is no one stronger than him for the moment, and when he makes blunders, there is no one to take advantage of them.