Diary of Marie Bashkirtseff

There are only two Grand Dukes at mass, and the least handsome ones at that. I dined at Jouy1 — I believe I am genuinely fond of those people. They are intelligent and pleasant. I find almost real pleasure in seeing them; it is not a chore, as with the others. Sudden change of scenery. Everything is cheerful, calm, and beautiful. I know what I want to do, and all goes well.

Il n'y a que deux grands-ducs à la messe et les moins beaux encore.

Notes

Jouy: likely Jouy-en-Josas, a small town south-west of Paris, near Versailles.