I said to M. Cresson: “Let us consult Vacquerie and Meurice and my two sons.” He replied: “Willingly.” The six of us held a council. We decided that three thousand tickets should be distributed on Sunday, the day before the lecture, at the mairies of the twenty arrondissements to the first persons who presented themselves after noon. Each arrondissement will receive a number of tickets in proportion to the number of its population. The next day the 3,000 holders of tickets (to all places) will wait their turn at the doors of the Opera without causing any obstruction or trouble. The “Journal Officiel” and special posters will apprise the public of the measures taken in the interest of public order.
November 25.--Mlle. Lia Felix came to rehearse _Sacer Esto_, which she will recite to the people on Monday.
M. Tony Révillon, who is to make a speech, came to see me with the Gens de Lettres committee.
A deputation of Americans from the United States came to express their indignation with the Government of the American Republic and with President Grant for abandoning France--“To which the American Republic owes so much!” said I. “Owes everything,” declared one of the Americans present.
A good deal of cannonading has been heard for several days. To-day it redoubled.
Mme. Meurice wants some fowls and rabbits in order to provide against the coming famine. She is having a hutch made for them in my little garden. The carpenter who is constructing it entered my chamber a little while ago and said: “I would like to touch your hand.” I pressed both his hands in mine.
November 27.--The Academy has given a sign of life. I have received official notice that in future it will hold an extraordinary session every Tuesday.
Pâtés of rat are being made. They are said to be very good.
An onion costs a sou. A potato costs a sou.
They have given up asking my authorisation to recite my works which are being recited everywhere without my permission. They are right. What I write is not my own. I am a public thing.
November 28.--Noel Parfait came to ask my help for Châteaudun. Certainly; with all my heart!
_Les Châtiments_ was recited gratis at the Opera. An immense crowd. A gilt wreath was thrown on the stage. I gave it to Georges and Jeanne. The collection made in Prussian helmets by the actresses produced 1,521 francs 35 centimes in coppers.
