Marie Bashkirtseff (From Childhood to Girlhood) by Marie Bashkirtseff
page 21 of 80 (26%)
page 21 of 80 (26%)
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and character, I will become kind, pleasant, gentle. I will try to
be the good genius of the house. I want to make myself loved and esteemed by every one, from the meanest beggar to the duke and king. This is the promise I make to God. Since I desire so great a happiness, I must deserve it. That is the way I hope to obtain it. Therefore I make a solemn vow to God that I will do what I say. If I fail once in my oath, I shall lose everything. I will address myself to the Holy Virgin and pray her, with Her Son, to guide and protect me. I rose at five o'clock to-day. I have worked well, I am satisfied with myself. How happy we are when we are content with ourselves! All the rest matters little; we find everything, satisfactory, we are happy. My happiness depends upon myself. I have only to study well. September 15th, 1873. I spoke Italian to-day for the first time. Poor M. (my professor) almost fell in a faint, or threw himself out of the window. I can say that I speak English, French, Italian, and am learning German and Latin. I am studying seriously. Day before yesterday I took my first lesson in physics. Oh, how well pleased with myself I am! I have received the _Derby_. I found a number of horses entered by the Duc de H----. The races at Baden! How I should like to be there. |
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