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that I was offered to this whole plan of taking the most important function of the Council out of its hands the analyzing of the exhibitions and that I have determined not to serve on every hanging committee so long as this system prevails. The more I think of it the more foolish and absurd the whole thing seems to me. A letter from G. N. V. Smith of Springfield asking me if I would take less for my picture in case he had an offer. Replied that I would not. Wrote to Mr. Bates of Providence whose frame was sent a day or two ago.

Gertrude.
What shall I say my friend, my own heart healing,
When for my love you cannot answer me? 
This earth would quake, alas, might I but see 
You smile, death's rigorous law repealing!
Pale lips, your mystery so well concealing, 
May not the eloquent, varied minstrelsy 
Of my inspired [[strikethrough]] protes [[/strikethrough]] ardor potent be,
To touch your chords to musics uttered  feeling?
Friend, here you cherished flowers. Send me now
One ghostly bloom to prove that you are blessed.
No? - If denial such as brands my brow, 
Be in your heavenly regions too, confessed, 
Oh may it prove the truth that your still eyes
Foresee the end of all futurities!
Rose Hawthorn Lathrop.

The above is from the Scribner for Feb. and seems almost to have been addressed to Gertrude. Several people have called my attention to it and asked if it referred to her. 

Tuesday Mar 4. 1879. A letter from Sara telling me of Mrs. Baldwins visit and one from Janette enclosing a letter from Gertrude to her written about two months after we were married. Strangely enough Booth and his wife were here today and he brought me a joint letter which Gertrude and I wrote to him in his trouble in 1865. I have been painting on her picture but do not get on well; and yet cannot bear to leave it. I painted for Booth under Mrs. Booths suggestions on the Brutus and the Richelieu both of which seem to satisfy her now. Dined at Frank Thurbers. Gifford and his wife, Mary, Dora and Mrs. Wheeler were there. Mary had been to see my picture at the Club yesterday and was delighted with it. Gifford told me it created a great interest at the Club on Saturday night and was a decided success. Dora showed