everything is escaping. Each instant I long to pray to God, and each
instant I stop myself. I shall pray again, let what will happen!

My God, Holy Virgin, do not scorn me, take me under your
protection.


Sunday, January 16th, 1876.

I feel that I shall write badly, for I have just been reading my old
journal. Mamma begged me to read the period of G----. I read it,
passing over a number of things. What is perfectly simple when
written is no longer so when read aloud. My face burned, my fingers
grew cold, and I ended by saying that I could not go on.

"She will read it to us in two years," said Mamma.

After St. Peter's, Mamma went to Baron d'I----'s, the ambassador's
cousin. She made his acquaintance at the ambassadress's. These
people are very simple and agreeable. I liked the baron especially.

There was a crowd on the Pincio, the Corso and the Piazza Colonna
were thronged with carriages and people returning from the Pincio.

We dined at the table d'hôte because the son of the Grand Duke of
Baden was to dine there. A number of society people were present,
and the Grand Duke is a pleasant fellow enough--for a Grand Duke.


Wednesday, January 19th, 1876.