Thursday, October 30:
R. had a tolerable night. In the morning we discuss the visit of the Gaul, who is by no means handsome, but R. says his expression at first meeting had been nice, “a rapturous taking in.” We also comment on the fact that in France this class of person is becoming increasingly small and insignificant in appearance.
The pact with Austria will, it is said, lead to an alliance of the three emperors, and thus to peace. “Against the English,” says R., “all you need is to win over a lot of Jews.”
Our Gaul comes to say goodbye, but misses his train, stays for lunch, and surprises us with his questions, such as: “Maître, aimez-vous Raphael?” R. goes for a walk, and in the evening, when he returns, writes to Herr Rudolphi. In the evening we are by ourselves and play whist. He gives Herr v. Stein Dr. Dühring’s book about R. Mayer with a short inscription.
Recalling his conversation with the Gaul, he says with a laugh, “I am not suited to the Socratic manner - I fall upon people and force my views on them.” When our guest called himself a Gaul, R. maintained energetically that the Gauls were Germans. A book on America with many illustrations has aroused his interest, and he wants to keep it.