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25

Tuesday Oct. 30" 1883. Henry worked on the drain leaching it down through the garden. Have been at work nearly all day in my Studio after marking Booths boxes. It cleared off and the wind has blown from N.W. not cold, with fine effects and an occasional squall and rainbows. Wrote to Booth sending him a list of the contents of the boxes and also at his request in a letter from him this evening, a statement of the account between us. Irving made his debut at the Star Theatre last night and was very successful apparently.

Wednesday 31. Sent Booths things today. Painted on my picture in the afternoon and improved it. Mary sent for me to come over there after tea. She was in great trouble about Girard who it seems has been very irregular of late. She begged me to go and look for him which I did. Went in to Durels, the first time I ever entered the place. He was not there but Mr. Wood sat there and looked ashamed when he saw me. I started for the strand but met Girard just a short distance from there. I told him I was looking for him. He professed surprise but I told him I had nothing to say except that I left his wife crying and in great distress about him. to think of this with poor Maurices career so fresh in his memory! I hope I may be kind and shall try to. A letter from Atlanta which I have answered telling them they may keep the picture. Wrote to Mr. Sawyer.

Thursday Nov. 1 1883
Painted all day in my picture and am getting it well advanced. Shall show it to Sara and Dewing tomorrow. No one has seen it yet. It has been a beautiful day, rather cool but with rich and splendid skies. Twenty nine years ago this evening I left for New York to be married to my dear Gertrude. Have written to Mr. & to Mrs. Conkey and sent my list of pictures for the first exhibition of our New American Art Union.

Friday 2.
This is the 29th anniversary of our marriage. I read some of dear Gertrudes letters last night and mine to her written in  1857, the earlier years of our married life. She seemed never able to find words to express her lover for me, the sweet and gentle soul that still lives in my [[?]] heart. This day is always holy to me. Downing and I drove down to Rondant and I did a number of errands among others got paint for the wood house, and when I