Friday, 1 June 1883

The brats who pose for me drive me mad with exasperation! I have their parents’ permission to smack them, and today I seized one and flung him on the floor like a parcel, in an absolute fury. Now the mother passes by and makes a scene and wants to take the child away; it took half an hour to smooth it all over. Really, I expose myself to the most odious things. This amiable family seemed to think I beat their child senseless. It is deplorable. I held them back by force; the father wanted to take the little wretch away; at last it is all settled.

And then?... And then nothing.