Monday, January 22:
Feustel reports that he has rented a floor in the Fantaisie for us, and also mentions a letter sent off yesterday, which we have not received. R. works until nearly two, then the letter arrives. It states that Cohn has not yet sent anything, and that the credit for the whole building operation must be secured before work can begin. At the same time R. receives a letter from Baron Cohn, showing a subscription of 20,000 thalers! Baron Loen had spoken of 50,000 and reported that he himself had signatures for 28,000 thalers in his portfolio, yet for Baron Cohn he lists only 12,000.
R. is very alarmed at this news; we walk to town in silence and return home. R. has the idea of making a journey in order to come to an understanding with the Wagneriana. Were it possible to let this cup pass from us! I send a telegram to Heckel, asking whether he could set out at once as R.'s plenipotentiary. Perhaps he can be spared the journey. The only comforting thing is a spider which runs persistently over Cohn's letter by lamplight. Heavy, silent evening!