From the notes of Dr. Catherine Perry: Madame Brisson, whose name was Madeleine Sarcey but who went by "Yvonne," was the daughter of the critic and journalist Francisque Sarcey (1827-1899) and the wife of the journalist Adolphe Brisson (1860-1925). Yvonne Sarcey (1869-1950) was the founder-directr of the journal Conferencia, of which several issues appear in this collection. Noailles writes about her regrets to have missed a tea at Mme Brisson's house the day before, because their "dear and fervent" Ferval told her there would be none. She is sorry to have missed seeing her friend (Mme Brisson) whom "she admires and loves."