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anxiety. I read Gertrudes and my letters of 1875. While I read these precious letters of hers all those days are vividly before me and she seems almost present to me. They are a complete picture of our daily life and I prize them above every thing for they are the record of her deepest love and devotion to me. Wrote to Lucy in the evening and read more of the letters. I seem almost to have visited darling Gertrude after having read her letters. These spring days are full of sweet memories of her. She was the very soul of the spring time and revelled in the thought of the flowers and the birds

Monday Apl. 18" 1881. Beautiful day at home. Came down with the noon train and met the inevitable sadness and depression at my door here, but I try not to give way to it. A letter from Weir wanting me to spend Thursday night with him which I have written him I will do. Maurice came down stairs just before I left. I got a glimpse of him, the picture of despair. What a sorrow - What a trial. Attended the Council. After adjournment we had a warm discussion regarding the proposed "liberal" movements in the Academy, as allowing the Exhibitors to select the hanging Committee and the associates to select Academicians. I argued against it and was added to the committee, for my pains, which is to consider the report. Was also put on the annual dinner committee. A letter from Weir wanting me to spend Thursday night with him.

Tuesday 19. Reichard came and selected my picture of Hussey Hill (which I painted for Mr. Chickering) to send to his gallery for sale. Commenced a small autumn picture, using one of my Deans Corner studies. By appointment went over to Mr. Dods at Hoboken to lunch. George Smillie came. The views from his house in the Stevens grounds are charming. After lunch we took a walk about the Stevens house and grounds. That seems to me a princely place in its situation, such seclusion and space so near a great city and such charming views. I enjoyed my visit there greatly. The day was fine and Mr. & Mrs Dod very hospitable. In the evening called on Mrs Nesmith in 72" St. Found her looking ill and with a distressing cough. Sara told me she had consumption and this winter has been very severe on her. I felt very sorry for her. Went to the Club.

Wednesday 20. Painted on my little picture of Deans River. Dr. Pelton called full of trouble. His son Fred who lost his eyesight in one of his eyes a number of years ago finds the other one diseased and Dr Noyes has advised taking out the blind one, but they have concluded to take the risks. They are full of sorrow. The Doctor seems to have no settled faith in a nice and kind Creator and so has not that sustaining comfort. I tried to reassure him, but that is a matter of growth. I felt very sorry for him.