is hand
on the balustrade; I did the same. He leaned on his hand; I leaned
on mine. He played with his chain; I played with my ribbon. He
pulled his ear; I pulled mine.

The General laughed, Dina laughed, everybody laughed.

Every time he changed his position I imitated him like the most
faithful mirror.

It was the last act, the house was half empty, and I continued my
game in freedom till the last moment. I went out fairly jumping for
joy and returned home gay and talkative.

To-night "Mignon" was given at the theatre.

I listened with pleasure and emotion. I forgot everything, toilette
and audience, and, with my head resting against the pillar, I
devoured the charming melodies. If I had "Mignon" given in my room I
should enjoy it just as much, even more. With an interesting
audience one hears nothing. I have seen this opera so many times!
And I am always moved.

One could not imagine my impatience to go to Rome and resume my
work. To study, to study, that is my desire! I grow joyous at the
sight of my dear books, my adored classics, my beloved Plutarch.

I shall carry with me a few volumes to read, for I suppose we shall
not see many people; we know no one there.

Saturday, December 11th, 1875.

The weather is magnificent. A tremendous crowd when we go out. We
move at a walk, between hedges formed of the young men of Nice. They
all take off their hats, and it seems as if I were the daughter of a
queen whom they salute as she passes.

We met the Marvel, who alighted from his carriage and raised his hat
to us twice. I was amused, I laughed, I went with O----. Why did we
laugh so much? I shall remember later.

Sunday, December 19th, 1875.

To-morrow there is to be a concert at the _Cercle de la Mediterranee_
for the benefit of the free _Ecole des beaux-arts_. I went to the
club to get tickets. Entering through the big door I was ushered
through well-heated, well-lighted corridors to the room of the
secretary, who gave me the little book containing the by-laws and
the names of the members. Men are lucky!

The club made a charming impression upon me. There is a fraternity
of spirit a homelike air, which reminds one of the convent. I am no
longer surprised that these men avoid their badly lighted, poorly
heated homes, with household cares neglected, ill-disciplined
servants, a wife in a wrapper and a bad humour, to go to a place
where everything is nice, comfortable, elegant (in a land where the
oran