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from Sara. An invitation from the Tile Club for Saturday evening which I am obliged to decline as I go home on Saturday. Wrote to Walter North. 

Friday Jan. 23. 1880. The weather has been cooler and more invigorating and I feel a little better. Went to work on a waterfall picture which I had laid aside for some time because I could not do any thing satisfactory with it. I got interested and worked all day on it and have forwarded it very much. I think now I will be able to make an interesting picture of it. This has helped to make me feel better. There is no joy like absorption in congenial work and there cannot be much happiness without it. Mr. Vanderliss called. Showed him my Booth pictures with which he seemed much pleased. Called up at Eastmans this evening. He was going out and we walked down town together. I walked all the way to my studio. I awake very early now. This morning at half past four, and could not get to sleep again. I have always been a good sleeper and I hope I am not to be deprived of that blessing now. 

Tuesday Jan. 27. Went home Saturday 24" by Wallkill Valley. Found Nannie doing very badly which greatly depressed me. Sunday at twilight I walked over to the cemetery and visited Gertrudes grave. There was no snow. The man had covered the violets with coarse litter to protect them during the snow and as I stood there a moment and realized my irreparable loss in Dear Gertrude my heart sank within me and I hurried home to be with Sara for my very soul was sick. On Monday I went to Kingston and arranged with Kenyons for the transfer of our Mortgages to Booth and I am to go up on Wednesday a week from now to close it. I shall be so glad to have it finished. Sade went to Kingston with me and spoke to Wilson about my piano which I am determined to sell. He is to let me know tomorrow. I offered it to him for $200. Mr. Chickering offered me $175 for it. Came down in the noon train. Fred Norton came. Invited me to dine with him at the Army and Navy club and afterwards went to Haverleys Theatre to see the [[?]] in the "Pullman palace car" a silly, vulgar long drawn piece of nonsense, lasting until 11 oclock. He came to my room and smoked a cigar and when he went I retired about 12. Did not close my eyes all night. My sleep is very bad of late and it troubles me greatly. A nice long letter from Lucy on Saturday as I went home. Wrote to her Sunday and will send it today. The