Sunday, August 28:
In the morning R. calls out to me, “Cosima Helferica Wagner, that is what you should be named, for you have truly helped.” At 10 o’clock we start out, and arrive in Mariafeld toward two o’clock. Very friendly reception from the whole family; Frau Dr. [Wille] says to me, “I have been watching you with great sympathy; you have taken and borne enormous things on your shoulders, though you are so young.” She tells me my father said, “Now my daughter has a husband who is worthy of her.” We spend a nice day there.
Dr. W[ille] has a great many tales to tell, among them, about Napoleon III: how, when one of his protégés needs money, he takes to his bed, which then causes a slump in which his favorite can make a profit. He compares the poet Georg Herwegh with a foot that has gone to sleep. A lot of witty things are said, and above all it pleases R. that he can always refer to me as Frau Wagner. I am happy that an old and trusted friend of R.’s is glad to see his destiny placed in my hands.