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me and the bitterness of her absence was as fresh and sharp as the day she left me. I read some of her letters and the letters of Mrs. Wheeler and Gifford and Eastman Johnson written to me when she died and gave myself up to the luxury of a sorrow which time does not efface. I thought I should never try to celebrate the holidays again for every thing about them reminds me of my loss and recalls the days that are no more.

Monday 26. I painted on the picture of the tree again today but I have been haunted by the old melancholy and all to gather my Christmas even with Gussie and all the family about me has not been what I hoped it would be. I wonder If I am to go back into the depths again. I came down to New York by the evening train and here I am again alone in my room.

Tuesday 27 Rainy and dark, yet I painted nearly all day. Went to see Chaufrau in the evening at the 14" St Theatre as "Kit the Arkansas Traveller" The play was rather loud and strong still it amused me, notably the two old "beats" the "Major" and the "Judge". Went to the club after the play. Saw Charlie Weir who has just come from Lake Superior.

Wednesday 28. Another dark, stormy day. Began a picture of a storm on the Humboldt but it is not successful. Called on Stedman to see about proposing Lawrence Hutton as a member of the Century. Stedman enjoys has property and likes to talk of his private secretary and the demands upon his time and of his consequence in the world. Still this is pardonable. I expect I would be very likely to do the same thing, but of what small use it is, particularly to our intimates. Nellie Hutchins came in. Afterwards I went to Eastmans and found him alone. We had a good talk. He was hoping I would come but not expecting me. Came from Nantucket on Friday. He had been to see "Patience" I was greatly amused at his indignation over the heat of the theatre. He went after the head usher and demanded to know what object he had in roasting the people. Made him promise to open some windows which he did not do. A letter from Booth.

Thursday 29. It has rained nearly all day and has been dark, close and gloomy. could paint but little. Improved the time to color some canvasses with a tint made of color mixed with water which I think will make a good surface to paint upon. Whittredge brought Mrs Little (I think) to my room, daughter of the Mr Battelle who called on me last week. She seemed to know my pictures, talked sympathetically of the country and was a little bit sentimental, which is very pardonable in a pleasant lady who likes ones pictures. Whittredge left and

Transcription Notes:
Chaufrau was an actor.