Wednesday, August 21:
Letters from Marie Dönhoff and Prof. Nietzsche; I answer the latter at once. R. has trouble with his brother-in-law Wolfram, who has made a contract with the theater director in Chemnitz without informing him.
At one o’clock drove into town; the children follow with “Stirb-Stirb” and create a good and friendly atmosphere. Trip to the Eremitage [a few words omitted], where R. takes great delight in the little ones as they run about, cry out, and laugh.
Our mood remains cheerful and calm, despite the misunderstandings of our good actor friend, who would rather have Bayreuth in Berlin! But R. is very tired; the continual talking is a great strain on him.
Letter from Richter, saying he is unable to go to Italy. Letter from Karl Brandt, who is at last discussing things with the architect Brückwald. He does not seem much taken with Hoffmann as scene painter, but cannot suggest another.
R. sings and plays Götterdämmerung for us, which entrances us. But I am worried about him!