Viewing page 399 of 473

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

385

We arrived home to find the servant we expected had not come; my mother had, unnecessarily been working too hard, my father was in a depressed mood and had troubled her by his despondency and altogether we regretted we had gone. It all makes me feel unhappy tonight but I trust affairs will be more cheerful tomorrow.

Sunday October 1. 1882. A peaceful Autumn day, cool, sweet and sober. My father and I had a long talk about Maurice and about our affairs. I disclaimed any intention of assuming the direction of affairs here as he seemed willing for me to do. I dont want him to feel that he is not the head of his household. I told him I did not want to sell my place but would if he wished and I had an opportunity. He wished me to do as Sara and I thought best regarding Maurice, urging the necessity of keeping him here but I told him he and not I must decide that matter. I frankly told him I thought it would be better for him and for all of us if he would go away and find employment away from home and that he might tell him I think so. Wrote a final letter to Mr. Day regarding my picture. Wrote to Booth and to Mrs. Sawyer. 

Monday 2. Went down town this morning and paid a number of bills on account of the new barn which is costing much more than I expected. This afternoon Sara, Pa and I attended old Mr. Burgesses funeral from the Baptist church. He died on Friday and was in his 84" year. Pa was one of the bearers. 

Tuesday 3. My father took me out to Mr. Louis Beriers in Marbletown where I had engaged board, to make some autumn sketches. The autumn color as yet was hardly perceptible. Calvert came on Friday 6" and returned on Sunday 8 to N.Y. On Friday 13" I received a letter from him telling me that the morning before he went into Downings room and found him unconscious. He had left his gas burning and it had evidently blown out and the door blown shut. Dr. Conant was administering oxygen. Next day Friday at 2.30 he wrote me he was still unconscious but had taken beef tea automatically and retained it and he showed some shrinking at the prick of a pin. I came home in the stage Saturday and telegraphed Calvert to know his condition and offering to come down if he wished. An answer came about 9 o clock that he was conscious and they were relieved of great anxiety. Today Sunday 15" have not heard further but hope to tomorrow. Yesterday was the fourth anniversary of darling Gertrudes death and in spite  

Transcription Notes:
---------- Reopened for Editing 2023-03-23 11:39:17