down in an armchair. I seem so weak, so graceful (which I am in
reality) that again no one would imagine I could shoot.

I am a rarity. I shall be highly educated, _if God wills that I
should live and blesses me_. I am perfectly formed, my face is
pretty enough, I have a magnificent voice, intellect, and I shall
be, withal, a woman. Happy the man who will have me. He will possess
the earthly Paradise! Provided that he knows how to appreciate me!

I lack everything here, and yet I adore Nice. We always love what
does not love. _Sic factae sumus_. Everywhere else I am visiting, at
Nice I am at home, and the proverb says: However well off we may be
while visiting, we are better off at home. Nice! Nice! Thou ingrate!

I adore Nice and admire it from my window. I am happy and animated.
Why? I don't know. After all--Ah! let me alone! The cards tell the
truth, I believe in the cards; they have always said yes to me. I
must have an occupation, I am of a warlike disposition. I am ready
for everything. I ask only an idea. No doubt I shall be depressed
to-morrow, for this evening I am certainly on stilts.

The tower clock is striking nine. Lovely tower; lovely I! Ah! H----.


October 8th, 1875.

We went to N----'s. The good woman vexed and made me laugh at the
same time.

"The first thing to be done in Rome," said Mamma, "is to get