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article. He was not in. Went to my studio to some things there. Could not find the "blue form" of the Royal Academy spoken of in Smiths letter from London and am confident it never was sent. Then went to Vauxs & lunched with Bowyer. No one else there. Went again to Scribners to see Gilder but he had not returned, then went to the Powell. At West Point John & Nannie came on board. Went down with Miss Delapresse who went home today. Miss Pickering  Shufeldts daughter was with them. Found a note from Mary Gifford and one from Julia saying Sanford had got back to N.Y. Was a little better but is evidently severely ill. If I had only known today he was there. Wrote to Julia offering my services in any way. She wrote also that little Gertrude is ill with a fever. It has been a very lovely day with the wind from the north and was perfectly comfortable in New York.

*Saturday 7. Wrote to Smith in London telling him I had received no "blue form" and sending him an order on the Secretary of the Royal Academy for my picture. Took a walk out on the common after breakfast and visited the cemetery filled with sad and regretful thoughts. I seem to live in an atmosphere of sadness and despondency which I am powerless to escape from. Went to my studio and tried to paint but could not. Received a letter from Downing, one from Mr. Bachelder telling me he is going to Seconnet on Sept. 1" and a long letter from Sara written last Sunday. It has been another perfectly beautiful day. I wish I could enjoy these delightful days but my heart is heavy and sad. I think constantly in my loneliness of dear Gertrude. If I could only work and find pleasure in my work I would be thankful. Maurices dreadful condition alone is sufficient to dishearten one. I changed the corner closet to accommodate my new bureau and put all my letters in one of the drawers. 

Sunday 8. It has been another beautiful day, warmer than yesterday but a charming day. Have spent most of the day in my room having written long letters to Gussie, Sara and Booth. Girard's wife presented him with another son today weighing 11 lbs. Maurice has been at home all day and came to the table at tea for the first time in a fortnight. Wrote a note to the editor of Scribner but am not sure I will send it. The summer is on the wane. The sun has gone visibly south, the Katydids are very active and the robins who were so busy only a short time ago seem suddenly to have disappeared. 

Monday 9. I have felt more cheerful and reposeful today than for a long time, perhaps because I have not tried to paint but have kept busy with little matters. I wrote a note to Mr. Bachelder, looked over some of my letters and went down to the Strand after dinner for the mail and to