Monday, April 25:
R. had a tolerable night but is nevertheless indisposed and later out of humor. [Added after the entry for the following day but referred back to this point: “In the morning he thought of Mistress Quickly’s words on Falstaff’s death and laughed loudly over them.”] The matter of the contract with London, the journey to Berlin, Hans’s behavior, it all weighs on him, and he complains that all he is conscious of nowadays is a state of either exaltation or deep depression. The weather is also vexing him, probably most of all. To distract him a little, I tell him about the picture, a surprise, and the sittings.
The Jägers are at lunch; he is arousing confidence in me. No walk. I arrange the little house for Herr Kohler; while I am there, R. comes in search of me to give me back the sketch of the first act. His first act is now completely orchestrated!
In the evening slight vexation for him, caused by a letter from Darwin in favor of vivisection, or rather physiology. We then play whist with Loldi, since Boni has rheumatic pains.