Friday, May 28:
Focused my attention on arranging my twin duties in a way to satisfy all. I hope I have succeeded. The children to be set to work while R. is composing. I also wrote to Marie Muchanoff.
After lunch make music with R., playing Haydn symphonies. Then with the children to meet him as he returns from town, after Lusch has dictated to me her letter to her father. In the evening he plays me his divine sketch; these immortal works will give you the answer, my children, when you ask yourselves: What was it Mama loved, for whom did she live?
The weather very close, with thunderstorms; it almost does me good; when one's heart is filled with worry, outward disturbances are not unwelcome. Up to my room at midnight, then Jakob calls me; his little son is ill and is screaming. I go in and place my hand on him, and the child quiets down. Jakob tells R. about it, and R. says he is familiar with my hand and knows I could restore anyone from death to life with my touch.
Sleepless night, since everyone restless; Loldi is afraid, Kos howls and snores, with it all storm winds and moonlight.
Saturday, May 29:
Very tired in the morning. Supervised Loulou's piano practice, then lay down for a while. In the afternoon the children went for their piano lesson; I had to punish Boni and keep her at home, which gave R. cause for some remarks.
As in distress I listened to him, he said I should realize that everything about me was precious and sacred to him, and, if he sometimes spoke in this way, it was for him much like the Saturnalia, when one is permitted to take liberties with the gods. As far as he was concerned I was already hovering in the empyrean. I had to weep terribly that he should say this to me, and I tried to think of other things, because I can neither grasp nor bear it that he should ascribe a value of any sort to me.
After lunch played piano duets of Mozart symphonies. The weather very close. With R. did a little rearranging in the upper salon. In the morning came a letter from Hans to his daughter; he complains of his health and the lack of pleasant occupations. Late into town with R. and the children; they buy some oranges. In the evening an article by the "great" Riehl about Rheinberger's new opera. Blatant foolishness. A letter from Nuitter; the royalties from Rheingold will be small.