Friday, January 20:
Glorious sunshine; R. had a good night, and in the morning he jokes about the success of Tristan - he says he feels like the long-legged grasshopper, “singing its wonted song in the grass.” He likens Härtel to earthworms, which emerge the moment anything moves. And at 11:30 we drive off to Bagheria with Prince Gangi, Count Tasca, and the children in four carriages.
The outing is a complete success; the view from Val Guarnera enchants R., it seems the loveliest thing ever seen. Lunch at Soluntum with the Prince is very pleasant. A lawyer toasts R. in both German and Italian, and R. proposes the health of the Princess; despite a slight adventure on the homeward journey (the axle of a carriage breaks), it was all a great success, and R. embraces our friendly hosts with great warmth.
At home we unfortunately find a report on the Bülow concerts in Berlin; the feting of Brahms makes a dismal impression. A letter from Gobineau also brings some vexation, since R. is unable to understand why he does not join us here. “I need nobody but you,” he says. “I moved Heaven and earth to get you, and nobody else; but I am glad when I can be of help to anyone.” (Today Lusch’s letter about marriage prospects arrived.)