Diary Entry of June 19, 1872
She feels physically unwell but pushes through a demanding wedding breakfast for Frl. Feustel that lasts through hours of music, toasts, and dancing. The size and noise of the gathering leave both of them exhausted, and R. is especially irritated by the floral fuss made by older women. His reaction captures the strange way public celebration first shocks the nerves and then numbs them. The event becomes less a joy than a test of endurance.
Wednesday, June 19:
I very unwell, but one must pull oneself together. Wedding breakfast of Frl. Feustel in the Goldener Anker; 90 guests, music at table, toasts, and finally dancing, from 1 o’clock until 8.
We are thoroughly tired, and I am particularly affected by the noise, R. vexed by the old women with flowers. He says, “The curious thing is, one feels in the first moment that one won’t be able to stand it, the shock is enormous, but then one becomes deadened.”