Diary Entry of June 19, 1875
The day opens with an odd letter from Brahms that she finds mannered and unappetizing, then closes with heartbreak at parting from her father, who is now desperately ill. Between those moments lies a sad journey, a long wait in Eisenach, a visit to the Wartburg, and a late reunion with R. in Neumarkt, where she has much to tell him, including a long conversation with the Grand Duke of Weimar.
Saturday, June 19:
R. sent me a very curious letter from Herr Brahms, as artificial and unedifying as his compositions.
At 9 o’clock took leave of my father, heartbreaking; he is very, very wretched! Sad journey to Eisenach, a wait of 5 hours, I visit the Wartburg. At 11 in the evening met by R. in Neumarkt. Much to tell him, among other things, about my two-hour conversation with the Grand Duke of Weimar.