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time. I could not help a regretful feeling as I put my new calendar for 1886 on its stand. Still the years end every day and they begin every day. I had a letter from Janette in which she tells me that she had a message directly from my dear Gertrude to me to tell me that she was with me all the time and that she loved me more and more. If I could believe this as Janette does it would not come to me with so little effect. I try to believe it but I cannot and think always these strange phenomena must have some explanation other than an actual contact with the departed spirit. She says she heard her voice, and I to whom she does not come would give the world to believe I could hear her voice I went up to Millets studio by invitation to see a portrait of Mary Anderson by Forbes Robinson the leading man in her Company. He is a relative of the late Mrs. Vanderlip. There was a certain grace and delicacy about it and a nice appreciation of character as well as harmonious color as a whole, with some timidity and hardness in the execution. I met him, a young and apparently pleasant man. Calvert and I dined alone Marion having gone to Dobbs Ferry to stay over the New Year. I read Dr Waldsteins article in the Century on the broader cultivation of artists and arguing that to have been the reason for the qualities of the Greek Artists. About 9 o clock I went up to the Authors club by invitation of Henry Abbey. He had been to my room for me but I met him there. Found I knew many of the members & guests, Junius Henri Browne, Mr. Morse, Dr Conant, Conant the artist (who got tight) Stedman, Stoddard, Mr. Norton, J.R. Osgood, Swain Gifford, Millet, Waring and others. Was introduced to Hamilton Gibson and many others. Was much interested in a Mr. McCabe master of a high school at Petersburgh Va. who is said to be the most scholarly man in the South except one. At 12 oclock after a supper and punch they turned down the gas and sang Auld lang syne and then Stedman announced the New Year. Genl Porter made a humorous speech as did Dr Weir Mitchell, John Boyle OReilly, Nelb and others. I did not get to bed until 1 oclock. I spent last New Year in New York.

Friday Jan. 1" 1886.
Came to my room and worked on my water color. Presently Henry Abbey called and spent half an hour and shortly after he went Henry Donaldson called. He had been to Boston to attend an annual gathering of scientists. I was very glad to see him for he is an admirable young man. Calvert and I dined alone and after dinner went up and called on Julia Dillon to see a screen she has been painting for Annie Norton. It was very cleverly done and showed a good deal of taste. Fred Norton came in while we were there. He had been up to Montreal and was greatly pleased with their winter sports. I went around to the club and met Collins and Edgar Ward. Later Nash came in and joined us. We talked of the removal of the club. Avery has some lots which would be suitable but he has grown so rich and fastidious that he does not want them occupied. I can remember when he was less particular.

Saturday 2" Commenced a picture 30 x 36 and painted hard all day. It was so warm I took my coat off. There was a knock at my door and when I opened it there were four or five ladies. I invited them in and proceeded to put on my coat. One French class    

Transcription Notes:
Junius Henri Browne - Journalist John Boyle O'Reilly - Irish poet