Tuesday, January 25th, 1876.

I am homesick. I took a singing lesson, and then went out with
Mamma. We went to M. de E----'s studio. He requested permission to
present a very elegant and popular M. Benard, received everywhere in
society. He told us a great many things about Rome.

From there we went to Monseigneur de F----'s, who yesterday asked if
we had had our audience.

This priest is turning out better and better, he has even made
scandals. He told us that I had been noticed at the opera, my white
dress had attracted attention, and said that to go to court we need
only write to the Minister or Ambassador.

"I should like," he added, "to be able to open to you the other
door, as I have opened the Holy One."

"O Monseigneur," I replied, "the Holy Door is far preferable."

From there to the residence of Madame S---- (the archimandrite had
told her, and she was expecting us), who is the most charming and
the ugliest woman in the world. She received us in the most
delightful way, and immediately spoke of the Quirinal.