Wednesday, February 19:
After scarcely sleeping all night, we learn that the woman presumed to be dead is staying with a friend; in the afternoon she comes along herself, says she is “a Catholic Christian,” begins by insolently denying everything, then at last admits to me that she has stolen other things from me besides the three gold coins.
This scene of persuasion, appealing to her conscience, speaking as woman to woman, and the glimpse it affords me of depravity and wretchedness, puts a terrible strain on me! Afterward I go for a walk with Fidi to the new house, which, since the staircase is completed, I can now look over thoroughly, admiring R.’s powers of invention. In the evening a ball at the Lerchenfelds’ house!