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Jan 31 or Feb. 1, 1901

My dear Mother -
I have just finished the old lady and little girl.  Sargent left town you know and I was compelled to defer my call on him for two weeks.  But shall probably see him next week.  Thursday is the day.  With the Chamberlains portrait and this last picture, I shall have a showing to be proud of -

Both works are full of air color and perfect values.  These old masters over here act on my paintings as you do on me when at home.  I am compelled to toe the mark of perfection merely by examples; a certain silent instructions which sinks deeper and helps more than all oral lessons could.

You would like to have seen dear Willie this week everyday about one oclock - eating lunch with the old lady (Miss Bedford) and Elly -- she has no last name being an illegetimate child thirteen years old, noticeable for her beauty.  Has heart trouble, epiletics fits etc.  Born on the street actually).  Mother was a governess and father (called) a gentleman.  Mother gone crazy and child will probably follow.  Well to return, the six days I worked at this place I bought each day lunch for three.  The dirty table cloth was always gotten out; a very valuable cloth belonging to a real lady 18 years ago.  Its said to have been presented, but more likely stolen.  This was spread on a large round table and we sat down on boxes and a chair to eat.  The old lady asking the blessing with blinked eyes bobbling head, and her large lower life shaking afterwards as a horse would that has