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pleasant chat with him. He seemed a genial pleasant man and very affectionate with his daughter. They wanted me to stay to dinner but I could not and left after I had talked a while with Booth. H. K. Brown called and spent a half hour with me. Gifford and I dined at the Wheelers with Mary and Pratt and his wife. Wrote to Gertrude.

Wednesday Nov. 17, 1875. It has cleared off cold. Began a little picture of an effect I saw on the river the day I came down but the canvas was poor and I failed. Painted part of the day on a picture I began last spring. Am a great deal discouraged about my work. My eyes trouble me and are very uncomfortable tonight. I am writing my essay on Michael Angelo for our literary club. I dislike to do such things because I don't feel that I write well enough. Two of my pictures came back today from Chicago in good order. The Autum Idyl" and the "Danger Signal". Rec'd a letter from Gertrude. She is very unhappy while I am away. Gives discouraging accounts of Maurice who I am afraid after five months of abstinence has begun his unfortunate habits again. I think he is in despair at not getting anything to do. He must see many wretched hours. I persuade myself sometimes that I will not let this trouble me since I cannot prevent or help it, but it does make me very unhappy. May Gifford is going to stop there and I am ashamed to have her know our trouble. I suppose however plenty of people know it.

Friday 19. Painted yesterday and today on my morning picture 18x30 and am getting on pretty well with it. Went to the Art Museum for an hour. Booth came in and spent half an hour with me. He leaves on Sunday to be gone until June. Wanted me to come and see him in Richelieu tonight, which I did. Went into his dressing room at the end of the 4th Act. Mrs. Booth came in and we chatted and smoked until he was called. Wrote him a little note after I got home telling him how entirely his acting satisfied me and bidding him good bye.

Monday, 22. Went up home Saturday and returned today. Found poor Uncle Abraham there. He has partially lost his mind and is about stone deaf