Saturday, August 21:
Hot, noisy night, R. sleeps for several hours. Decision to wait for the children not in Florence, but in Siena. Departure at 6:30, the air fresh, the scenery makes a good impression on R. Since I did not sleep during the night, I doze off, and awake in R.'s embrace. He says he has been writing to my father in his thoughts, and now I hesitate to write down what he said. Though I should like to show you his love for me, my children, I just cannot; such things one may scarcely even acknowledge as having been spoken.
Arrival in Siena around 10 o'clock, immediate inspection of villas, great heat, the position not very pleasant, for me at least Perugia still standing very much in the way of proper appreciation. But then a visit to the cathedral! R. moved to tears, the greatest impression he has ever received from a building. How I should love to hear the Prelude beneath this dome! In the midst of troubling thoughts, blissful to have shared this enchantment with R., gratitude toward my destiny.
Comfortably installed in the Grand Hotel. Vexations caused by telegraphic muddles. Visit to villas, one of which, Torre di Fiametta, pleases R. Negotiations with the landlord for me; apprehension on my part about settling down again in a completely strange place amid inhabitants of whom nobody speaks well, and who from the outside do not make a good impression. In the evening I walk with R. in the dark gardens. In Schop. he has been reading many things about medicine and physicians which have given him strength in his present mood.