Summary

The journal entry dated October 1817 introduces a new character at Nohant -- Julie, a maid to Aurore's grandmother. Julie hated Aurore. Until her mother moved away, Aurore talked with the staff at will; but after she left, Aurore's grandmother forbid her to mingle with the hired help. When Aurore turned 13, her own servant, Rose, started treating her cruelly. Rose beat Aurore for minor things, like forgetting her handkerchief, getting dirt on a dress, or smacking when eating. She never hit Aurore in front of her grandmother or mother. Aurore did not tell on Rose, but instead adopted the behavior as normal and even realized she was strangely comforted by it because it was familiar.

Aurore, at 13, felt abandoned and alone. Her father and brother died, her mother moved, and her grandmother was ill. She thought about God, but said she had little faith...