Diary Entry of February 2, 1876
Candlemas brought little brightness outside, and the writer felt an inward hunger for peace. R. allowed himself a fragile hope that the performances might eventually awaken shame and then a better new beginning. The evening reception from local patrons, however, felt like a strain rather than encouragement.
Wednesday, February 2:
Candlemas, little illumination around us, and in me a longing for peace. 'Perhaps,' says R., 'there will emerge after the performances a rosy blush of shame, which will turn into the rosy dawn of a new age.'
In the evening a reception given by the local patrons, a trial for R.