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frozen and the water poured into the lower kitchen. Tom and I worked in the rain but could do but little. Towards night it cleared and grew colder. Sara and John returned at 7 having got on successfully with their unpleasant errand. At the station they met Judge Parker Osterhardt, Henry Snyder and his wife all of whom were going to speak with Nannie and John was obliged to ask them not to as she was very nervous. They hoped no one they knew would be there so early. She implored them at Cornwall in a quiet voice to take her back, and when they arrived at the asylum she said she was going back, but the Doctor (Talcott) was very firm but gentle with her and she finally made no objection. John was greatly pleased with the peace and told Sara he did not believe if they looked the country over they could have found so good a place. He is greatly relieved and a great responsibility is taken from him. The Dr. thought if they could feed her and get her fat she would get well. I wrote Lucy the result and mailed it.

Thursday Dec. 29" 1887 Went downtown and mailed Lucys letter and got my hair cut. It is very cold and fine sleighing, the river frozen over above the point but the ferry boat running.

Friday 30" A high wind all night making it seem colder than it really was 12°. They are working away on the toboggan slide and have it nearly done. Marion and I came away with the noon train. Very cold and windy and I think growing colder this evening. I did not want to leave home and Sara alone. I love the winter in the country but never can stay there as I wish I could. I cling to the house and our warm fireside and do not want to go anywhere else. Mary wanted me to stop to see Julia who is at Annas while they are in Montreal as she was very anxious to hear about Nannie and I did so and told her all about it. Found a letter from Mary Gifford. Harry & Julia are at Marys and their apartment is pretty full. They are always ready to put themselves to inconvenience for their friends. They all (the young folks) went to a party this evening. I staid with Mary until 10 o'clock when I came to my room and wrote a note to Booth telling him I had been away for a week and had just returned and would like to see him. I would either call on him or he could come to my studio, just as suited him best. He and Barrett are playing Julias Caesar at the Academy for two weeks. I also wrote to Mary Gifford and directed it to New Haven care of Weir where she is going tomorrow.

Saturday 31" Still very cold and I find it difficult to warm my room. This is the last day of the year. It finds me alas, not at all hopeful, sighing for release from anxiety and with but little ambition in purpose to face the daily duties. Calvert, Harry, Donaldson and I went to the club in the evening and saw the old year out. We had a pleasant chat with Arnold Hoyne in charge of the Yellowstone Park. It was raining when I came to my room. This afternoon I went with all the Vaux's, Harry and Julia to a tea at the Mendelsons given for Julia & Harry. It was very pleasant. It snowed hard and continued to until midnight when it turned to rain.

Sunday January 1" 1888.
The rain was pouring in torrents and the wind blowing when I awoke this morning. I had to ride up 6" Avenue and then across to 17" St. I staid over there all day except for a couple of hours when I went to the club and wrote a letter to Alice. Harry and Julia went back to Baltimore by the 4 o'clock train. It was raining and has continued to rain all day. I spent the evening at Marys reading "Jane Eyre" which I have never read.

Monday 2". Bright and clear this morning and the weather moderate, but I am far from bright and happy. A dead weight seems to be upon me 

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