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328

I wrote a note to Miss Nesmith from whom I had a note today telling her I would call next Tuesday evening. Wrote to Lawrence Hutton, a letter to Alice and one to Church. Returned Mr Fahrnstocks umbrella which I carelessly took from Reids last night in place of my own and got mine back.

Saturday Dec. 31, 1881. Joe, Gussie, Bowyer and I went home by the 4 o'clock train which was a long one and very crowded. Broke down at Tarrytown and had to leave the drawing room car which delayed us half an hour. The weather had come off cold.

Sunday Jan 1 1882.
A splendid winter day, cold and grey. Bowyer, Jamie Andrews and I went out towards the "Roatina" where they had a skate on the upper end of the pond. I made a little pencil sketch. The ice was very pretty with the two dark figures. The figures always seem so much darker than any other object in a winter landscape. It was pleasant to be at home where I always enjoy the winter so much and with so many of our family about us. Sara having a bad time with a swollen face.

Monday 2. Cold and brilliant. I spent most of the day in my room braiding birch bark for our first hat which I am anxious to have made up to see what we are to do next. Bowyer, Gertrude Tomkins, Joe, Maurice and Jamie went out to the same place to skate and had a delightful time getting home to a 3 o'clock dinner. I sat up until midnight working on my braid. Bowyer came back to town with the evening train.

Tuesday 3. The cold weather continues and the creek was frozen over this morning. I came down with the 12 o'clock train. Mrs. Taylor and her mother came down. Mr. Taylor has left Rondout and accepted a call at Indianapolis. They regretted leaving Rondout. I assisted them with their packages and children. Mabel Reid came down in my care as far as Tarrytown. Poor child. Her father is to come out of prison on the 17th of this month. I wonder what the poor child thought as we passed Sing Sing. The train arrived half an hour late. I had barely time to get ready for dinner and then went up and called on Miss Nesmith. A letter from Booth wanting to do something for Downing in the way of setting him up in business and asking my advice. Miss Teale called on Saturday and wants me to paint a picture for her for $300 something like the one I painted for Mr. Cooper. Joe Tribby came Saturday by appointment. Wants to get room in some studio in the city. Advised him to paint in Mt. Vernon where he is. I asked him if he didn't think it pretty late in life to set up as an artist. He is sixty, but he didn't seem to think it a difficult enterprise. "__where angels fear to tread" &c