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7

Wrote to Booth in the parlor after all had gone to bed.

Saturday Dec. 28" 1878. Got a man and laid the tile hearth in the sitting room. Had a good deal of trouble to make it fit and did not get through with it until nearly nine o'clock at night. Even then we did not finish it as we were several pieces short. How little the ordinary mechanic knows outside his usual routine. As it was I had to most of the work and all the planning.

Sunday 29. Staid at home all day. Alice is in bed with a slight attack of cramps such as she had when Gertrude was in Boston. I am anxious about her. We wrote to her husband to come as the baby is very troublesome at night. I have thought so much of Gertrude tonight. I cannot make it seem that she is to come back no more. Sara told me that Cousin John went quietly to Kingston and got some beautiful flowers on [[left blank]] morning which he laid tenderly on her grave. I cannot think of her in her grave.

Monday 30. Snowed a trifle in the night. There was a fire down town which burned very brightly in the night. A splendid, brilliant morning. I walked over to the Cemetery taking Park for a run. The fresh snow lay on the flowers John so kindly placed there. The smilax was still fresh and green but the roses and camelias had turned brown. A pink seemed fresh and full of color. Marion and Gertrude left for N.Y. by the 11.55 train.

Tuesday 31. Alice very ill with a high fever. I am very anxious about her. Little Annie Staples one of Gertrudes pages in Esther, to whom I sent a little Christmas present, sent me a pretty bouquet. Bouyer came by the evening train. I have been almost sick with my cold. I imprudently worked out of doors yesterday fixing a box to bank up the house and I caught more cold. Felt better toward evening. Received a letter from Laura and one from Church.

Wednesday Jan. 1. 1879.

We have had a quiet New Years day. Very few callers. Alice and the baby quite ill. Mr. Knight did not come. Bouyer went back this evening. John and Nannie wanted us all to come over this evening