Zaïtchenko

Research Status: Basic Last Updated: 2025-07-06 Diary Coverage: Up to 1874-04-18

Identity

Russian merchant who Marie previously referred to as "28" - her numerological admirer from church.

Diary References

1874

• April 11: As "28" - stares boldly at Marie in church, forces Le Bec to change seats, wears green ribbon and decorations
• April 18: Identity revealed as "M. Zaïtchenko," disappointing Marie and her mother who thought he was at least a prince. "Puisque ce n'est rien il n'est plus 28 mais simplement Zaïtchenko" (Since he's nothing, he's no longer 28 but simply Zaïtchenko).

Context

• Russian merchant or similar class
• Employs Palajka as chambermaid
• Previously romanticized as "28"
• Class disappointment - not nobility
• Bold staring behavior at church
• Marie's numerological system abandoned

Related Entries

• #Palajka - His chambermaid

Research Notes

• Russian merchant class in Nice
• Social mobility and assumptions
• Numerology and romantic projection