Diary Entry of May 14, 1881
Richard spends a restless, unwell day after dreaming of Cosima leaving him, though he rallies briefly in the afternoon to view a commissioned portrait, which impresses him despite initial skepticism about its technique. He retires early, and the day ends on a hopeful note with a favorable telegram about a Walküre production.
Saturday, May 14:
R. dreams of my leaving him. He is unwell all day. In the afternoon he comes to Jouk.’s to look at the picture (the “surprise”). He is at first amazed by the technique, but the portraits please him. He is not with us in the evening, goes to bed early. A good telegram about Walküre.