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no response. Then I came to my room to write an answer to the letter from Detroit. Much as I want money I have decided not to accept this offer. It is demoralizing and when one once gives way to these dealers there is no end to their demands. I have decided that it is best for me in the end to stick to my proposition even if I lose the sale of my picture. It is a good picture and I can sell it I am sure. The man from whom the offer comes is Wm. P. Mitchell a banker. I think monied men often do things which a poor man would be ashamed of.

Thursday Jan. 21" 1886. Another rainy depressing day. It seems to me New York winters are largely made up of such weather. I went to Tiffanys and ordered the umbrella, a telegram having come from Girard last night just as I was going to bed. I have been at work on my picture all day but as usually results when I try to repeat my pictures I do not succeed very well. Whittredge made me a long and very satisfactory call. I am full of worries. Have not yet sent my letter to Detroit because I have not heard from my note I sent to Rondout to be discounted. I am beginning to fear they will refuse to do it. If they do I will be in despair as I have promised some money on the strength of it. I had a letter from Nannie inviting me to dinner with them with Sara and the Cantines on Saturday and I have accepted. If I do not get some money I will not want to go home. What a state to be in. I am tired to death of it. Had a long letter from Mary Gifford who says she is very well this winter but far from happy I fear. Who is happy I wonder? I spent the evening at Marys reading Howells "Indian Summer" which is concluded in this number of Harper.

Friday 22" Another rainy day. My draft for the proceeds of my note came today, to my great relief, for I lay awake last night thinking what I could do if it did not come. I went out in the rain and deposited it. I bought a French Coffee pot to take up home. Have been at work on my picture which is improved, still it lacks something and I do not know what it is. Fuller called to tell me he had just returned from the funeral of his brother who died very suddenly with pneumonia at Binghamton. I am going home tomorrow by the 11 o'clock train to attend John & Nannies dinner. I sent my letter to Detroit today declining their offer. I think artists submit too readily to such haggling and dickering. It is just as well to let them know that they cannot do this with me.

Saturday 23. Went around and saw the Fairman Rogers and the Bookwalter collections in the morning and met some old friends, Leutzes "Iconoclast" Boughtons Departure of the May Flower and saw a number of interesting things. Went home with the 11.20 train. It was a pleasant winter day and the cutting the ice and the ice boats flitting about made the landscape cheery. It was cold and good sleighing at home. Tom met me with the cutter. Found my father remarkably bright and Sara said he had been so all the week. We attended the dinner at Johns this evening and had a very pleasant and enjoyable time, just the sort of entertainment I enjoy most. There were only Mr & Mrs. Cantine, Gertrude Tremper, Sara and me besides John & Nannie.

Sunday 24" This is the anniversary of our dear mothers birthday and she would have been 77 years old had she lived. Sara and I talked of her and were glad to recall the satisfactions she had experienced during her faithful and unselfish life. How many are ready to call her blessed, and what a memory for devotion and affection she has left. I wrote a letter to Mrs. Sawyer and one to Mary Gifford inviting her down to our house next week when Mary Vaux

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