A sorrowful day! We receive word of Rus’s death, occasioned by a sudden pulmonary stroke —no doubt brought on by yesterday’s excursion. In him, we surely lose one of our best friends. Only yesterday I had remarked how anxious and concerned he was for R., when the latter climbed down into the orchestra pit! Had one of us perished, the dear creature would, I am certain, have sensed it. And now we are taken unawares—this sorrow on top of all else. I write to the children. In the evening, a few acquaintances visit—we are all in low spirits.
Revised English translation by Jo Cousins.