e.

I think only of him, I pray God to keep every trouble from him,
protect, preserve him from every danger.

All this time people talk about the Duc de H---- and it pleases me
immensely, if I don't blush.

At last I can enjoy some bright weather on the Promenade. I have
seen everybody, and I am happy. An hour driving, then walking, but
the rain surprised us.

In the evening we went to the theatre, which was filled with
fashionable people. The W----'s were next to us. I talked about the
springs, horses, etc. To-day I have been reflecting. Not a moment
must be lost, every instant must be spent in study. Sometimes (I am
ashamed to confess it) I hurry through my lessons without
understanding them, in order to finish more quickly, and I am glad
when lessons are given me to review because, during the following
days, I shall have less to do.

I don't intend to behave so any longer. I must finish what I am
learning quickly, that I may begin serious studies, like those of
men, and occupy myself more with music, commence lessons on the harp
and singing. These are great plans. They are sensible ones, too. Are
they not?

March 30th, 1873.

I have been dreaming of the Duc de H----. He wore three jackets of
the queerest cut, and was at our house to look at my pictures. He
admired them, and I talked with him. I was very much agitated, and
could scarcely conceal it. He talked with me very pleasantly, and
spoke of B----. He said:

"I was talking with her. I made her sit down and I spoke of you."

Oh! he talked to her about me, and it was on my account that he
spoke to her! How happy I am! At last my prayer is granted! Then he
brought some kind of paper or something, I don't know exactly what,
to ask for an address to get clothes, I believe. He was in the large
drawing-room, talked to me in low tones, encouraged me by his frank
manners, then I saw mountains on the pictures at which he was
looking. It is strange that I felt nothing extraordinary, and I was
less excited than when I am awake.

I was happy, I was calm and content.

These transports overwhelm me at the mere sight of his name, for I
am not sure of my happiness, and I ardently desire it. But when we
have what we desire and love, we are calm. So, in my dream I was
calm, for I no longer had anything to desire. I said nothing, in
order not to interrupt my happiness. I let myself go gently and
quietly.

What was my surprise to find, on waking, that all this hap