Diary of Marie Bashkirtseff
CZENUKFR

Saturday, 10 June 1882

Le Figaro and Le Clairon celebrate our dinner.
I go to Tony's, where I do an impression of Carolus, and around four o'clock, having only time to change my gown, I rush to the Salon, where I find Mmes de Lambertye, Gauthereau, and Louise Abbema who is coming for the first time. Very pleased with my pastel, like everyone else... Then we tear ourselves away to go next door to Mme de Janzé's, where there is a comedy being performed. The Duchess is there, her granddaughter as well. Mme Gavini, [crossed out: Saint-Amand is there too], the little Comtesse de Béarn — very pleasant and kind — the Comtesse de Briez. Saint-Amand, very glad to see us here, singing my praises. Yesterday he spoke so much of my grace, my beauty, my distinction, my chic, the exquisite way I receive at home, that Mme de Janzé received me in a particularly warm manner. Besides, the two papers this morning were perfect.
The Comtesse Ducos, wife of the former minister, came on leaving Mme de Janzé's to leave her cards — she is charmingly amiable.
But what was rather gratifying was the Comtesse Multedo coming to greet us, giving her name, and calling on us as she left the comedy, around six o'clock.
Saint-Amand is jubilant and Adeline is very pleased.
"You have arrived, my dear — I said as much to Denis this morning."
"Yes, my child, my dear girl," says Saint-Amand on his side, "you are in the great current of things — but beware of ruined fortune-hunters. You can only marry millions or a colossal position."
"There is no danger. I know what I need."
In short, I believe that after so many torments I have at last attained this long-dreamed-of happiness — and where? In Paris!!
[Blackened words: And it is] thanks to the Duchess. I cannot explain her kindnesses and attentions if it is only a matter of a few charitable gifts to the Little Sisters, etc. — there is nothing to worry about there. She doubtless has ruined suitors to dispose of.
I do not fear that — I shall refuse, and that will be that. Besides, there are already two or three rich foreigners whom she takes under her wing in the hope of regilding a few coats of arms. So... I confess it bewilders me a little; I am dizzied at having realised all at once dreams that were accompanied by so many tears.
The dinner establishes our salon as the meeting-place of the aristocratic-artistic: the arts, the Faubourg Saint-Germain, intelligence, literature, etc. Famous men. Can it really be? And if I were not afraid of breaking the spell, I would say that I am very happy.

Notes

Louise Abbema (1853-1927), painter and intimate friend of Sarah Bernhardt. ↩