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the Gordon reception committee at the Century at which details were discussed and settled. Booth called while I was out. He left a note inviting me to a Breakfast to Irving at Delmonicos on Monday next. There was also a small package to be returned to Mary containing a Daguerreotype of Downing when he was a child, a little box with a lock of his hair and a little silver vinaigrette which Mary had given to Edwina. I accepted Booths invitation. He has not been to see me before since he came to town this last time.

Wednesday Apl. 9" 1884. Worked all day on my picture but I do not like it. The color is not good. I am afraid I shall have to abandon it. Collins and I dressed ourselves in our dress suits and I met him at the Union League Club to call on Mrs. Gordon. We went around there and met Eastman Johnson just coming from there. He said they were out. We left our cards and I came downtown and called on Mrs. Frank Weeks. From there I went to the club for a short time. I saw in the Herald that my Winter in the Kaats Kills was sold out of the Academy. I think it is an error.

Thursday 10 Went up to the Academy this morning and as I supposed there was no card on my picture and of course it is not sold. Have had a headache all day. Sent for a half bottle of champagne at noon and stopped it. Mrs. Mendelson and Fanny called. My champagne was visible and I explained my dissipation. My headache passed entirely away before dinner. Bonyer and I went to see Irving and Miss Terry in "Much ado about nothing" We had dollar seats in the banquette very far back near the door, too far away, but I was extremely interested. Irving made a distinct and most interesting creation of Benedict and acted it with great charm despite his striking peculiarities. Miss Terry is a most vivacious, interesting and picturesque woman and very graceful. Many of her sparkling and charming moments recalled the grace and charm of my dear Gertrude; but I would like to have seen her a little less conscious. Still it was a beautiful and finished production in every particular and gave me genuine pleasure and satisfaction. Bonyer and I went around to the club a little while after the play.

Friday 11". Dr. Oldnixon called. He was two years at Point Barrow within the Arctic Circle. The same light hearted character. Painted nearly all day.

Saturday 12. Doing all sorts of things during the forenoon and went home by 3.40 train. Downing reached there just before me. Found Gussie not very well.

Sunday 13. Downing and I took a walk out back of the steep rocks and found a lot of Hepaticas. The day was bright but with a wind from the North. We had a talk and I found him feeling well and forgetting his troubles and interested in his work. He seemed very happy. I left my cane and we went back a mile but did not find it. In the afternoon he went off with Grant Van Deusen in his canoe and was to take the evening train to Yonkers. I wrote to Alice and a note to Mrs. Nicholas Elmendorf whose daughter Julia died this week. She was her last child and from all I have heard a most dutiful and devoted daughter. She was 34 years old. I did not think her more than 24. I think of poor Mrs. Elmendorf with profound pity.

Monday 14". Came down by morning train. Eastman came for

Transcription Notes:
---------- Reopened for Editing 2023-04-28 07:46:04 Could "Downing" actually be "Downy"? ---------- Reopened for Editing 2023-04-28 13:59:28 .