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479

the truck just before we arrived at the station which delays us a little.

Wednesday May 2" 1888.
It is cold this morning and I have put on my winter clothing again. I found here last night a letter from Lucy, one from Mrs. Grosham acknowledging the sweet Peas I sent her, one from Mrs. Darley, one from Weir in relation to recommending Robt. Wilkinson for the Century. When I went over to breakfast Marion told me Laura and Charlie who have been at Julias in Baltimore were at Bishop Putnams at Rye and would probably be in town today. I do not want to see them, not that I do not feel perfectly kindly to Charlie, but I confess my affection for Laura is not what it once was and it would only be painful to see them. Laura however, I think is bound to insist upon meeting us. I am prepared to have her father come in when Charlie goes back and I cant help looking forward to a most disagreeable meeting at Rondout, to which end I believe Joe has planned this visit with his usual persistence in a wrong policy. I dined at the Century and sent part of the evening there after having called at Fred Nortons where I saw him and Annie and Mrs. Curtis. I began a letter to Lucy, answered Mrs. Groshams note and Weirs also

Thursday 3. Still cool. Finished and sent the letter to Lucy. Am doing errands preparatory to leaving town. I think my work for the season is about done. I received an urgent request from the Chicago Art Institute for pictures and have written them I will send them my Academy picture and the "River of the hills" I have just finished. Finished and sent my letter to Lucy. 

[[newspaper clipping]]
WITHERS-On Wednesday morning, May 2, at 11 West 18th St., Beulah Alice, wife of Frederick C. Withers, and daughter of the late Rev. Edward Y. Higbee, D. D. Funeral services at St. Ann's Church, 18th St. near 5th Ave. on Friday morning, at 10 o'clock, Please omit flowers.
[[/newspaper clipping]]

Downing and I went to the 5" Av. Theatre this evening to see "National gas" a variety entertainment, very lively and amusing. One young girl sang who had fine rich contralto voice and the absurdities were many and unflagging. We had been undecided about going but finally started late, doubtful whether we would get a seat as the house was crowded. We got very good seats in the first balcony near the stage. We had barely got seated when two young men came in and seated themselves in two seats directly in front of us and to our amazement one of them was Charlie Osman! whom I had been hoping I should not meet, much as I esteem and respect him, from a dread of the embarrassment it would be. After they were seated and Downing and I had looked at each other in surprise, I touched Charlie on the shoulder and turning to see who it was, he was as much astonished as we were. We met cordially, talked a little and then they were shown to their proper seats a short distance from us in the Parquette and between two of the acts Charlie came and sat and talked with us. What a strange fate that should have so sent us toward each other. It seemed something more than mere chance. Downing and I discussed what we should do after the play and I finally concluded I would invite them down to the Century which I did. We had some thing to drink in the way of a mild tipple and then sat at the supper table where I cooked some oysters in a chafing dish. Ward came and talked to me and I introduced him to them and he and Charlie had an interesting chat. We did not leave until after midnight and they said they had had a pleasant evening as I think they had. I am very glad now we me, for Charlie is a good fellow and I want him to know how much I respect him, for he is in a most difficult position and has borne himself with great discretion.   
   

Transcription Notes:
Needs handwriting/done except one ? in May 2" entry ---------- Reopened for Editing 2023-04-27 17:38:23 Pls dont mark complete until everything has been transcribed