Friday, August 20:
I go straight to the Helbigs' in the morning to ask about Siena, where R. has resolved to live. Not very favorable information about villas. I myself should like to stay here, where there is a villa which is recommended, in order to save R. further upset, but he does not wish it. He wants first of all to wait for the children in Florence. Much joking about Grafenberg; he recalls Vaillant and his difficulties: "He was like me, he liked the truth but wanted to be comfortable."
At 2 o'clock departure from Perugia. In the hot carriage great concern on my part over not having opposed him. I always regard his wish as inspiration and my own caution as the stupidest of "wisdom." Now, as always, all that remains for me is to place my hopes in Heaven, in the stars, that things may turn out well. R. delights in the countryside and keeps exclaiming with a laugh, "Pine trees, indeed!" He says he will hang the prospectus on a wall.
In Florence at 7 in the evening. Buonamici is to find a cook for us. R. and I stroll to the cathedral, splendid in the moonlight, then sit down on the stone steps of the Loggia [dei Lanzi], a dream, our wandering together like this through Florence. Comical to receive, on our departure from Perugia, a telegram from the conductor Herr Levi, advising us against Grafenberg! When R. happens to say something about Garibaldi to Buonamici, the good man observes that G. lived too long and did some stupid things. R. says, "Don't tease me, now," and amid the laughter he adds seriously, as if to himself, "Bayreuth was utter folly."