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and I took some photos and this one will show you how pretty it is with a lovely clear river runing [[running]] right through it—  This esplanade of big trees is very low and perfectly charming a high steep hill rises straght [[straight]] up from the other side of them—
We went to two of the potteries and I bought a few little things and my lovly [[lovely]] 3ct plate got broken in the carriage on the way home—  I saw a perfect gem of a high china candlestick which I was going to buy until I found it was 20 frcs—  In the museum we saw a perfectly splendid picture by Renouf - by far the best of his that I have seen - indeed it seemed to me that there was nothing in the Salon equal to it - for sentimental values and simple masterly treatment. It was a Breton widow with her son at her husbands grave - I think I have seen copies of it in black and white - and may be you have—  There was a wonderfully [[swell/well]] gathering wax group of Breton peasants in full real costume - a wedding - and May was going to snap on them but upon asking the Guardian - she was denied the privilege and should have done it on the sly when his back was 
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that it would be an effort for them to remember it and come - and would be more or less a bore—
I am feeling a good deal discouraged about painting - although I work all day - not taking a nap in the afternoon I dont seem to accomplish any thing particular—  It is the weather chiefly; it is never more than a few hours the same - and rains most of the time—  We had three beautiful days in succession last week, and I actually began Miss Conant in the garden—  And have worked on it two afternoons - I thought I should have a better chance with her than we the natives, as I can always have her.  And it is so hard to find the same model for continuous and interrupted work - besides her color is very delicate and I am very much interested in it—
There has been a fêté [[fête]] - a regatta and various sports such as tub-races and boys having swimming races for ducks which was very cruel as 
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Transcription Notes:
Émile Renouf (23 June 1845 – 4 May 1894) was a French painter.