Monday, January 23:
R. had a good night, but the topic which most occupies us is our living accommodations; we talk to a paper hanger, decide to drive to Bagheria to look at the Casa Ferdinandea there. When I remark that I believe in good, R. says, “A yearning for good is part of Nature, though it is true that evil is also there in full.” — M. Aurèle bores him greatly, and Renan’s sugary portrayal makes him sarcastic. At 12 o’clock Prince Gangi appears with Count Tasca and offers us the former’s villa in the country, which we then visit; it pleases us very much, and we accept it with much gratitude. R. replies as follows to a telegram from Jouk. [not discovered]. — He is tired from the journey; all the new arrangements upset him. He immediately gives notice to the hotel. In the evening Rub. plays us the symphonic poem Dante and arouses interest with it, as well as regret [the last four words obliterated in ink by an unknown hand]. —