Friday, January 6:
At breakfast we are interrupted by Richter, who has received a telegram from my father, begging him to come at once. R. does not wish Richter to go before he has received a definite contract, and Richter conforms to this wish. I am fearful of any interference in the fate of another. R. is in despondent spirits in view of Richter's impending departure.
The birthday dove is still alive! The children play at staircase music. Lulu conducts and they imitate the orchestra.
An Englishman, Fitzgerald, introduces himself and believes the time is now ripe for making publicity for Wagner in England! He says the performances of The Flying Dutchman in London had made a deep impression. Another publisher also approaches Wagner with a commission for a musical work; R. laughs and says, "I see I was on the wrong track when I thought I could further my cause with literary work."
Richter plays us passages from the second act of Siegfried. R. is satisfied with Klindworth's arrangement.