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102

it seems so difficult to change. It might be much worse but I can see how it might be much better. I have begun the new year as I ended the old with work for in that alone I find real peace and enjoyment.

Friday Jan. 2. 1874  I painted all forenoon and at two o'clock went down to the ferry to meet Bret Harte. He came according to appointment and we dined after his arrival. In the evening we all went down to the lecture "The Argonauts of 49" I introduced him to the audience. His lecture was extremely interesting but I imagine too subtle for the most of the audience. There was a fair attendance but it was a damp foggy night which probably kept many away. After the lecture we had a little supper, and after supper a cigar and a familiar chat until bed time.

Saturday 3. Harte and I had a cosy morning over the fire talking on art and poetry. I find him a most interesting man and remarkably quick to perceive everything fine and delicate and subtle in thought or expression. I have enjoyed his visit extremely. I should say he would be careless in money matters and not ready to avail himself of small material advantages as what artist or poet is. I think he would borrow your coat but not more readily than he would lend his shirt and I am quite sure I should like him whatever faults he might develope. He and Downing left by the noon train. I drove them down and I am sure we parted with a warm and genuine feeling of friendship for each other. I painted the remainder of the day and took a walk out back of O'Reillys towards evening in the thick fog. May Ellis came here today to make a visit. She arrived at Uncle Charles Thursday. Gertrude received another letter from Mrs. Church urging us to come and make them a visit

January 4. I have painted all day Sunday as it is because the sun was obscured giving me the light I need in my figure, and I have improved my picture. Wrote to Moore urging him to send my money, to Gussie and to Gifford

Monday 5. Recd a letter from Moore today very coolly informing me that as he had not sold the picture he got of me nearly a year ago he would not be able to send me any money. I sat down at once and wrote him that if he did not pay me for the three pictures I sent him last on the old account he must return the last pictures to me, that I was done selling him my pictures at small prices and waiting for my pay until he sold them