Saturday, 4 November 1882

Truly Paul and his wife do not live in peace. I am quite astonished by this discord — every evening Maman and I try to bring them into agreement, trying every tone: severity, mockery, gentleness. Nothing works. They reproach each other constantly on the most extraordinary grounds, over futile and stupid things — endless quarrels.
And this is a love match!
I cannot understand what they could have wanted — they have everything, and I do not know what more is needed. Now it is the question of departure. Paul says he would like to leave with her — but he has no money at present (Maman gave him an estate from which he could derive twenty thousand francs a year, but it is not the season for selling the produce), and over this there are endless scenes. Madame says she cannot leave her children and taking them is impossible; Monsieur cries that she would have left them if there had been money. Paul knows well that we cannot cover all the expenses — but it vexes him. His wife's nagging wears him out; he hopes to recover the honeymoon bliss by leaving with her.