Friday, December 29:
All the same, R. had a good night, and in the morning I tell him that yesterday, after he had left the room, I stayed behind with Eva and Loldi and, so that they would not notice anything, chatted cozily with them; Eva gave me evidence of her talent for mimicry by portraying the house tutor. He is equally amused by her incredibly good imitation! Then he writes some more of his letter, while I have a little rehearsal with the children for the New Year greetings.
At lunch R. is in something of an ill-humor; first, he has had a letter from Prof. Holtzendorff which gives him very little satisfaction; and second, the accounts of Princess H.’s Thursdays upset him. He does not like anyone from his circle to go elsewhere. In the afternoon we ride to the Piazzetta; recalling the fact that he has used the French word “accessible” in his article, he says these French words really are indispensable, since the German language is too lofty and significant to convey the irony that is usually required when one is talking about modern things.
In the evening Lusch’s agitation arouses our concern! I have to speak very earnestly to her - she is probably pining for someone! R. is infinitely kind in his understanding of my concern, and shares it with me.