Diary of Marie Bashkirtseff
CZENUKFR

Monday, 18 July 1881

Another day in Sourny. Alexandre negotiates with Dina about the sale of her share; we let him talk, and when he is quite convinced he has turned our inexperienced heads, we take up the thread again as though he had said nothing. I cannot follow all his subtleties, but the essential thing is to hold the price: thirty-five thousand roubles. He will only give thirty thousand. But I hold firm.
The abuse and the brigandage are unimaginable! They had concealed the copies of the contracts and deeds made by Romanoff [crossed out: at the same time as he is said to have been] at the period when they claim to prove he was insane — all those acts of sale, leasing, purchase, etc. etc., concluded with numerous persons and recognised as valid. None of the persons who dealt with Romanoff were prosecuted — except his wife, and Maman, and Alexandre, because they are sister and brother. The copies of these contracts are so formidable an argument that they reduce everything to nothing. They will be presented tomorrow. At last — Maman, who was charged with having captured the man's confidence and forced him into marriage with her sister — Maman, the principal accused, will emerge exonerated after twelve years of suffering, humiliation, and threats of prison.
The case has been entitled: attempted fraud against the estate of M. Romanoff. And this without evidence — simply on the complaint filed by his heirs. After twelve years of harassment and slander, everyone is found innocent. But how can the administration compensate for the moral damages caused by this horrible affair? One would have to bring an impossible lawsuit against the then-incumbent minister, etc., etc., etc. It would have no end. But admire this!
Yesterday Alexandre presents himself to Tolkatch and asks to make his observations on the completed inquiry — which is his right. Tolkatch replies that he has no observations to make, since he is only involved in the case by accident and is there only to "keep company with the others."
— But you old scoundrel — if that is so, how is it that I have been for twelve years [under such abominable accusations] involved in a case with a shameful heading!
— Be quiet, replies the other — you are nothing but a brat!
When Alexandre's last election was annulled, it was with great difficulty that my father, who presided, managed to prevent the public reading of the grounds... They wished to read out and print that such-and-such had not been confirmed in his position, being charged with fraud and attempted crimes against the property of M. Romanoff. One asks oneself how all of this can be conducted in such a manner!