Friday, September 8:
Letter from Richter, who, it seems, is holding rehearsals, but is not doing his work for R., which vexes R. very much. He works in spite of the close atmosphere, continuing his composition even in the afternoon.
I write to Therese Ollivier, giving her my candid opinion of the pamphlet Proces historique, which E. O. sent me. I also write to little Daniel; I feel it would be a transgression against Blandine were I not to attempt to come closer to this child and gain an influence over him.
A drive with the children. Fidi’s iron tonic is doing him no good so far; he has no appetite. In the evening Carlyle, who gives us much enjoyment. As R. says good night to me, he ends the day with a joke: “It must be very nice for a woman to have a husband who loves her so much.” I am frightened by a bat.