Diary of Marie Bashkirtseff
CZENUKFR

Wednesday, 21 February 1883

Julian writes that he understands nothing of my note but suspects in it a great and bitter reproach — that he is quite comfortable in his conscience, that he had only received a commission for the Ladies' Exhibition (he had replied but it was too late), and that as for the Circle he has not set foot in it for a year, etc. He signs "your devoted servant," hoping that one day or another he will learn of his crime.
And I reply:
"Rest assured — you have not committed any crime; but I have. For it is always a crime against common sense not to rely upon oneself alone.
However... In short, as regards justice, the most frequent kind here below is still that of M. Clemenceau.
M.B.
P.S. All things considered, it is truly not your fault if I am not interesting... In your eyes.
Alexis dines with us, and in talking of the Bastiens we send the servant to tell him to come immediately — and if he is out, tomorrow first thing in the morning — on urgent business.