Viewing page 209 of 316

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

197

turn met Gifford who I have not seen since last spring. He said he had just sent me a note to Rondout to tell me he is married to Mrs. Canfield. While I had somewhat suspected something of this sort I was much surprised when he told me. He said they were married privately in June and even his own family did not know it until yesterday. I hardly knew what to say but will go and see him in his room tomorrow. Wrote to Gertrude Monday evening and received a letter from her today.

Friday Dec. 16. 1877. Dined at Platts last night with Mr. Goodman and Geo. Hall. Giffords marriage was the subject of conversation and many speculations were indulged in. A note came from him to Mrs. Platt while we were at dinner announcing it. I am always charmed with the affection shown in Platts family. The children love their parents dearly and caress them and in every way show their fondness. I am working on my picture but it does not please me yet. I sent for Mr. Williams picture today which he bought out of the Academy and I find the sky has become badly discolored so that I fear I shall have to paint it all over. Anxiety, worry, loneliness - these describe my condition.

Tuesday 18. Went home Saturday. May and Marian lunched with me and I left by the 4 o'clock train. The weather was like summer. The mercury at 54 on the hill. Mrs. Susan was there. Felt very depressed at first but felt better before I came away. Returned on Monday and in the evening attended a dinner of "The Club" at [[Gilberts]] Restaurant. Had a very pleasant time most of the 16 being acquaintances. Came home at 9.30 and wrote on my essay. Today I pitched into my picture and painted the sky all over and went over the whole picture improving it very much. Kinseman Van Etten was in and liked it very much. Asked if I began it out of doors. Admired the composition and the color. Gifford called. Spoke of the sky as being large which I