Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of April 22, 1872

Overview

On the final morning together at Tribschen, the mood is heavy as R. leaves at one o’clock. A letter from Berlin cheers him with unexpectedly large earnings, but the narrator feels the strain of the night and the emptiness that follows his departure. After talking heart-to-heart with Vreneli and sorting R.’s papers and letters, she receives a telegram that he has already spent nine hours walking around Basel.

Content

Monday, April 22:

Last morning together in Tribschen; melancholy activity! The mail brings the letter from Berlin, and R. has to laugh, since this quarter has brought in so much (1,000 thalers); the performances must always have been full to bursting.

Departure! R. left at one o’clock. I had a nervous night. God help poor us! Returned home with Vreneli, had a heartfelt conversation with her; then busied myself with the papers, sorted them, R.’s letters to Minna!!

In the evening a telegram from Basel: R. has been walking around there for 9 hours. Prof. N. writes today from Geneva.