Friday, February 17:
Brief birthday celebrations, in order to be ready in good time. Letter from M. Meysenbug, read in the carriage. Fine weather, arrival in good spirits; Belfort's capitulation.
Tidied ourselves up a little in the Hotel Baur, then drove to the Wesendoncks'. After seven years I had brought him back there, and I was glad to have succeeded. Frau W. was to all appearances pleased to see R. again, and to see him looking so happy. Her black hair disturbed him a little, but he grew accustomed to it and found her well disposed and friendly.
The children behaved splendidly, endured the long-drawn-out meal with patience and good manners, and afterward they played with the W. children.
At six o'clock listened to quartets, E-flat major, F minor, B-flat major, in our hotel; the Wesendoncks and the Willes also there. The musicians played very well, and a congenial atmosphere prevailed. Only we were a little tired, R. and I.