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household wreck. Dined with the Stoddards. Linton was to be there but went home ill. "Uncle Edward" as usual came in presenting to my mind the usual riddle of his relationship, which I cannot guess. I cant forget my old affection for the Stoddards but there is a feeling of compassion towards them for a loss I cannot decide how to name in the years that have gone by since I first knew them. Left at 9 and called on Mrs. Taylor to talk about the drawing for the ballads. Assured her that I had not thought of laying any of the blame upon her but told her I felt I had been shabbily treated by the publishers.

Friday Nov. 1. 1881. The paper hanger finished today and I like the effect. The painter came and gave the first coat but cannot finish until Monday when I must be at home. Called to see about the fan. It will cost $25 to mend it and I have concluded not to have it down now. Called on Julia Dillon in her new home in the Stuyvesant building and went around to the club. Saw Thompson but very few there. Saw Rev Butler and promised to join the G.B's this winter.

Saturday 12. Rained. Came home in the 12 o clock train. Raining hard here. The men have removed the corn crib wing of the barn. Gussie arrived about an hour after I did from Lowell via Hudson. Julia was very sick when I left and they sent for Sara who arrived last night. A letter from Eastman.

Sunday 13. Wrote to Booth. Took a walk out beyond the cemetery to the point above Wilbur where the tunnel of the West Shore R.R is being commenced. Got a lot of mushrooms. Stopped at the cemetery. Our lot is nearly graded and will be much improved. Am glad to see they have done so much. Girard and his wife and John and Nannie were here to dinner. It has been a lovely mild day.

Monday 14. The carpenters today tore down the "shop" and masons began the foundations. Judge Lawton called to see about buying the barn as did another party but came to no decision. Attended a meeting of the Literary Club at Mr. Lundlays. Dr. Van Slyck read his essay on "man and the dirt philosophy" a very well written paper in antagonism to the "Materialists" or modern scientists and "Darwinism" with a proviso. Pretty deep water for our club and simply dazing to most of us. The Tribune today brought the announcement of the death of Mrs. Booth. Poor little thing at rest at last. Wrote all my love for Booth I cannot help a feeling of pity for her and of tenderness for the kind sympathy she gave me when dear Gertrude died.