Diary of Marie Bashkirtseff
CZENUKFR

Wednesday, 28 February 1883

Mme Canrobert and her daughter come to see my painting, and then we go to the house for tea and to hear the perspective lesson that Bastien-brother gives us.
That monkey must be delighted — little Canrobert, Alice, and me for pupils. Meanwhile the Maréchale was chatting with Maman in the back of the studio. I am delighted to see Mme Canrobert so gracious towards us — she is worth as much as the Charettes, who have never come on a Saturday; certainly the wife of Maréchal Canrobert is worth as much as the wife of the papal general Charette.
And the young girl is exceedingly intelligent — she has passed her municipal examinations. In short I am full of warmth for these people who flatter my self-esteem.
One cannot help being almost delighted when people of importance receive you charmingly. I admit it.
The painting will be finished tomorrow — I shall have put nineteen days into it. Had I not redone one of the boys it would already be done, in fifteen days. But he looked too old.