draperedith





			Edith Draper at 14

	Edith (Draper) Blair When Edith Draper was a student at Miss Porter's School in the early 1890s, she kept a diary. The entire diary has been put online by Edith's descendant, Kat Moore. Below is a shortened version of the diary, which mainly includes her comments about Draper family members and situations. To read the complete diary, click here. Edith (Draper) Blair was born February 18, 1874, in Hopedale, Massachusetts. She was the daughter of Gen. William Franklin Draper and Lydia Warren Joy. On February 26, 1895, she married Montgomery Blair II in Washington, D.C. He was the son of Postmaster General Montgomery Blair and Mary Elizabeth Woodbury, and the grandson of Francis Preston Blair and Eliza Violet Gist. Edith and Montgomery had seven children. She died on November 7, 1939, at Mt. Kisco, New York. Montgomery died April 28, 1944 in Washington, D.C. Edith's diary, written 1892-93, at ages 17-19 describes her life at a girl's boarding school in Farmington, Connecticut, her home life with her brothers and step-family; friends, society, and various escapades. In 1892, her father, Gen. William Franklin Draper, was elected to Congress. Edith attended many society functions and became a debutante after graduation. She entertained numerous gentlemen callers. She was devoted to her brothers Otis, Arthur, Frank, and Clare, as well as her sister-in-law Lily. She enjoyed music and played piano skillfully. Minna [Edith's daughter] was very fond of her maternal uncles. She described Clare Draper as a "very sweet person," Otis Draper as a "colorful character," and recalled thatFrank Draper played the violin, but died young, an alcoholic. Edith D. Blair's half-sister Margaret Preston Draper at age 25, married 32 year-old Italian "Papal" Prince Andrea Boncompagni. According to family lore, the elder Prince Boncompangni had little money, so he pawned a cherished tapestry to then-Ambassador to Italy, William Franklin Draper. He regretted this and wanted to get the tapestry back, so he arranged for his son to marry the Ambassador's daughter Margaret, when she was old enough. He was devoted to his mistress and their children, however, and the 1916 marriage was annulled in 1923, apparently never having been consumated. The cherished tapestry was returned, and Margaret was allowed to continue using the name, Princess Margaret Boncompagni. Minna and her sister Edith were bridesmaids at their elaborate wedding in Washington, D.C. on October 25, 1916. They wore velvet dresses with mink trim. Butterflies from South America were released into the winter air. "Princess" Margaret Boncompagni, was very rich and didn't have to lift a finger. She had servants to do everything for her, including brushing her hair, and bathing and dressing her. When she was young, she was a tall Junoesque beauty, but became very obese and was used to being served. One winter she visited Minna and Virginia Brook (Minna's sister) in New York. They met at a restaurant where Margaret arrived in a long fur coat and galoshes with fur trim. Minna and Virginia were chagrined when they had to go under the table to pull off her boots. Margaret gave some preposterous gifts. Blair Hollyday was given a huge rock crystal Eiffel Tower as a wedding gift. For Minna Blair Hollyday's husband R.C. Hollyday III, who was away on military duty in a hot climate during World War II, she sent an imitation leopard throw, addressed to "Mr. Minerva Hollyday." Edith Draper Hollyday received no gifts, but Margaret hosted her wedding reception. Margaret was also known for saying, "The thing about turkey is that there is too much for one person, but not enough for two." Minna and her siblings were very solicitous of Margaret because she was lonely and rather pitiful. She died in a nursing home and her entire estate went to her favorite nephew on her mother's side of the family //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Farmington, Jan. 17, 1892 This year I am going to try a new plan in trying to keep a journal. So many times I have failed utterly, but this time I shall only write once a week and in that way put down the most important things and not try to keep every day’s doings. Life is so at school anyway and one day is as much like another that it doesn't pay. Went home the next day over Sunday for Washington's Birthday. Didn't do much of anything, but had a good time seeing the boys. Saw "La Cigale" Monday night with Clare. Otis' house is going on like a breeze. It is going to be beautiful. Everything is so original and so well planned Sunday, March 20 Alice went home Monday to Mrs. George Colburn’s funeral and the same day I heard from Papa of Grandma Joy's death and from Otis that his wedding is to be April 27 instead of in June, and I am to be a bridesmaid. Wednesday went down to New Haven to the funeral. Papa and Frank met me at station and we went up to the house immediately. The funeral was ghastly. We sat very near the open coffin, and her face was so distorted by agony it was frightful. I kept my eyes steadily on the floor. She was insane at the last and thought everybody was trying to torture her and murder her in most fearful ways. Sunday, March 27 Have decided not to go to Europe with Aunt Fannie after all. It really seems as though I ought to be at home. In the first place, Lily Duncan being up there, and then Arthur and Clare at Narragansett alone. I go away from them enough in the winter and I do want to be something to them. There isn't much I can do, but I can be with them and keep them out of some things I hope. I was talking with Mrs. Dow about it today and she said such a lovely thing "We women can't do much in this world but be good ourselves and love hard." Wrote to Aunt Fannie today that I couldn't go. Sunday, April 10 Reached home lame & tired. Went over to Guild fair a little while with Otis. Boston in A.M. with Clare to see about bridesmaid’s dress etc. Came home to Papa's birthday dinner. Fourteen here. Usual round of indigestible stuff & stale anecdotes. I wish I were of some account at home. Nobody seems to care much about me. It's time for me to make a place. It does seem queer that Susie [Susan Preston Draper, Edith's step-mother], stupid and impassive as she is, should have everything she wants without stirring a finger. I verily believe she never thought of any other person's interests in her whole life, but other people think of her just the same, and she isn't even personally attractive. It's a puzzle. Quiet Sunday. Church in A.M. then up with Otis to his place & all over the house. It's beautifully ... and getting on like a breeze. He is mighty happy. Up early, & got down to Boston about eleven. Met Clare at Adams House, had lunch, then down to station and met Otis there. Frank came to see us off. Reached there [Lexington, Kentucky] at noon. Otis rushed away from us to Lily, & S. Mrs. Davis & Preston met us. Went up to the house, rested, dressed, had lunch & then Clare & I went up to call on Lily. Found Otis there & the whole family. She is the sweetest, loveliest girl I know. I can't express how I feel about her, and I won't try, but I am mighty happy at having her up there. If she only is fond of me. Staid up at the Duncan's all P.M. came back to dinner at the Preston's & from there to the theatre, Modjeska in Marie Stuart. Highly tragic, & not much good except the last scene. Support was wretched but she was fine. In a box I felt horribly conspicuous. Everybody was staring Margaret Thornton and her seven girl visitors with men were in the boxes opposite. I hate that girl. She makes me crawl whenever she comes near me, and she's going to be in Narragansett all summer. Spoils the prospect for me. Tuesday A.M. staid in and received callers. loads of people. In P.M.dressed after long lunch & went to Mrs. Woodward's reception. Was one of the receiving party, but didn't do much receiving. Skipped off with Henry Duncan to supper when I first got there, and talked a steady stream to two or three at once all eve. The house was beautifully decorated & supper delicious. Lily looked sweet. Otis was too proud of her for any use. He is very much in love & I am so glad. It is just what he needs to bring him out. Didn't get home till about two. Wednesday A.M. went up to the Duncan's a little while, then down to Margaret Thornton's to breakfast at twelve, & staid there till five, playing, singing, gossiping, etc. I like one of the girls, a Miss Bruce, very much but the rest of them I don't care for. They are too much man-catchers to suit me. The way they lop around lackadaisically till a man appears, & then brace up is slightly sickening. I don't mean it of all of them down here, for some are lovely, but these Louisville belles. At five Henry Duncan & a Mr. Falkner took Miss Green & myself for a long drive out in the country. Very lovely, but dreadfully late back. Had to dress in ten minutes for dinner, a big affair of twenty-four people lasting five solid hours. Worn out & miserable. Most of the men had been drinking too much & it was painful. Otis & Arthur were all right and always will be Thank God!! And our end of the table was away from it but it was pretty bad. Thursday A.M. went up to Duncan's to rehearse for wedding & stayed all morning. Frank came looking pretty badly. He is very sick & has hard work to keep up at all. From rehearsal went to Mrs. Voorhas to lunch, & got back just in time to dress for wedding. Got there early went in & helped the girls dress, saw Lily & flew around, generally. There were four of us bridesmaids dressed in white silk & gauze with long trains, & tremendous bouquets of Mermets (?) & lilies of the valley. They had one end of the parlour roped off like a chapel & we walked through & stood there during the ceremony. It was awfully impressive. Otis & Lily looked at each other all through and their faces were beaming & Lily was beautiful. It is too much to describe & I'll give it up, but I never was so thrilled in my life. After congratulations, went in to supper. The bridal party sat at a round table in the centre. There were fourteen of us, and we had the jolliest kind of a time with toasts, & songs of every description. It was just perfect. I sat by Mr. Sturges & liked him immensely. He was the life of the party & kept us all roaring. We were wildly hilarious. After supper danced & talked all eve. Saw a lot of Mr. Sturges. Margaret Thornton tried hard to get him away from me and wasn't in it which pleased me to death. Then Lily got up on a stool & threw her bouquet. She was a perfect picture as she stood there waving it with Otis holding her. It was planned beforehand that Nannie should catch it, as the sister's wanted to keep it, but Margaret Thornton distinguished herself by deliberately snatching it out of Nannies hand. It was the most unequalled piece of brass I ever saw even her. Got home about two. It was and always will be the night of my life. I heard of such a perfect wedding. Oh I forgot. Toward the end of the eve we all kept around Lily in a circle & sang in the little room where the presents were. Thursday, April 28 Friday got up early & made calls. Went out to Mrs. Wickliffe Preston's to lunch didn't get back till six. Had an engagement to go driving with Henry Duncan at five but of course didn't go, which was mighty mean. Otis & Lily left at two. A dinner tonight to some ladies relative of some kind & from there to the German. Henry Duncan my partner sent me lovely roses, a tremendous bunch of American beauties, & I took splendid care of us all eve. I am awfully grateful to him for all he has done for me. Sat. went to Laura Brand's - a brilliant affair - about fifty couples. My first big German. Grand time danced every time but one & everybody was lovely to me. Packed my trunk after getting home. Not in bed till 4:30. Saturday April 30 On the train going back from Lexington. I'll try to write everything down while it is fresh in my memory. Last week at home didn't do much of anything but shop. Papa, Susie & the baby [half-sister, Margaret] left for Lexington Saturday the 16th had quiet Sunday with boys. Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday in Boston trying on dresses which are lovely. Thursday packed, & Friday got up to Exeter at 5:30 met Arthur at station, and went up to the Faulhabers to stay all night and go to the assembly. Had a grand time but the boys have degenerated since last year. There aren't half as many nice fellows. The ones I liked best were Sayre & Armstrong. Had to split lots of dances. After the dance went up to the Faulhabers & had a little supper we girls, our escorts, and a Mr. Spalding one of Otis' old classmates, bright but married. The Faulhaber girls were lovely to me & we had a fine time. After the boys left went back to the dining room & dawdled around awhile then bed. Up early, & got down to Boston about eleven. Met Clare at Adams House, had lunch, then down to station and met Otis there. Frank came to see us off. Had stateroom so were all to ourselves & jolly. Played cards in eve. Beautiful scenery all P.M. Berkshire Hills. Sunday read The Little Minister by Barrie. Pretty story. Stopped at Cleveland about an hour & drove up Euclid Ave. Magnificent houses. Had fine time together all day. Wildly hilarious. Spent night in. & on to Lexington next morning. Reached there at noon. Otis rushed away from us to Lily, & S. Mrs. Davis & Preston met us. Went up to the house, rested, dressed, had lunch & then Clare & I went up to call on Lily. Found Otis there & the whole family. She is the sweetest, loveliest girl I know. I can't express how I feel about her, and I won't try, but I am mighty happy at having her up there. If she only is fond of me. Staid up at the Duncan's all P.M. came back to dinner at the Preston's & from there to the theatre, Modjeska in Marie Stuart. Highly tragic & not much good except the last scene. Support was wretched but she was fine. In a box I felt horribly conspicuous. Everybody was staring Margaret Thornton and her seven girl visitors with men were in the boxes opposite. I hate that girl. She makes me crawl whenever she comes near me, and she's going to be in Narragansett all summer. Spoils the prospect for me. Tuesday A.M. staid in and received callers. loads of people. In P.M.dressed after long lunch & went to Mrs. Woodward's reception. Was one of the receiving party, but didn't do much receiving. Skipped off with Henry Duncan to supper when I first got there, and talked a steady stream to two or three at once all eve. The house was beautifully decorated & supper delicious. Lily looked sweet. Otis was too proud of her for any use. He is very much in love & I am so glad. It is just what he needs to bring him out. Didn't get home till about two. Wednesday A.M. went up to the Duncan's a little while, then down to Margaret Thornton's to breakfast at twelve, & staid there till five, playing, singing, gossiping, etc. I like one of the girls, a Miss Bruce, very much but the rest of them I don't care for. They are too much man-catchers to suit me. The way they lop around lackadaisically till a man appears, & then brace up is slightly sickening. I don't mean it of all of them down here, for some are lovely, but these Louisville belles. At five Henry Duncan & a Mr. Falkner took Miss Green & myself for a long drive out in the country. Very lovely, but dreadfully late back. Had to dress in ten minutes for dinner, a big affair of twenty-four people lasting five solid hours. Worn out & miserable. Most of the men had been drinking too much & it was painful. Otis & Arthur were all right and always will be Thank God!! And our end of the table was away from it but it was pretty bad. Thursday A.M. went up to Duncan's to rehearse for wedding & stayed all morning. Frank came looking pretty badly. He is very sick & has hard work to keep up at all. From rehearsal went to Mrs. Voorhas to lunch, & got back just in time to dress for wedding. Got there early went in & helped the girls dress, saw Lily & flew around, generally. There were four of us bridesmaids dressed in white silk & gauze with long trains, & tremendous bouquets of Mermets (?) & lilies of the valley. They had one end of the parlour roped off like a chapel & we walked through & stood there during the ceremony. It was awfully impressive. Otis & Lily looked at each other all through and their faces were beaming & Lily was beautiful. It is too much to describe & I'll give it up, but I never was so thrilled in my life. After congratulations, went in to supper. The bridal party sat at a round table in the centre. There were fourteen of us, and we had the jolliest kind of a time with toasts, & songs of every description. It was just perfect. I sat by Mr. Sturges & liked him immensely. He was the life of the party & kept us all roaring. We were wildly hilarious. After supper danced & talked all eve. Saw a lot of Mr. Sturges. Margaret Thornton tried hard to get him away from me and wasn't in it which pleased me to death. Then Lily got up on a stool & threw her bouquet. She was a perfect picture as she stood there waving it with Otis holding her. It was planned beforehand that Nannie should catch it, as the sister's wanted to keep it, but Margaret Thornton distinguished herself by deliberately snatching it out of Nannies hand. It was the most unequalled piece of brass I ever saw even her. Got home about two. It was and always will be the night of my life. I heard of such a perfect wedding. Oh I forgot. Toward the end of the eve we all kept around Lily in a circle & sang in the little room where the presents were. Wednesday, May 18 Reached Boston Sunday the 1st, got home at 2:30 in pouring rain Monday. Took home, then got carriage and drove over to call on Aunt Ba & Aunt Fannie and prepare them for Lily's arrival. Mighty good thing I did, for they were not particularly prepossessed in her favour. Think they will be now though. Friday May 20 played tennis with Sue & Stella. Slept with Katharine, and started off on early stage Saturday for home with Bert & Katharine. Met an old gentleman in the stage who had been to see Miss Porter, and he talked with us in a benevolently amused kind of way. He had lived in England most of his life and was back here on a visit. Was lovely to us. Had a jolly ride to Boston. Got there at one, found Arthur and Frank at Adams House, had lunch, then theatre a box. 1492 which was perfectly fine. Reached home at six and found house all trimmed and everyone dressed for the reception to Otis and Lily. Had tea up in red room, then dressed, and staid up in billiard room playing pool till people began to come, then down and talked a blue streak till twelve to the assembled crowd, introducing, etc. Girls seemed to have a good time. Everybody liked them at any rate. After people had come all the family went out and had supper. Lily looked too lovely for words, & was mighty sweet to me. Wants me and another girl to go up to the graduating hop at West Point. Shall ask Frances. Danced awhile then bed. Got up about ten, Sunday A.M. Helen called while at breakfast, then after she went, we drove over for Otis and Lily and went all over the house. Had loads of fun. I forgot to say that Saturday at the theatre we were taken for the Eight-Bells Company and I was the souvrette. Frank overheard this conversation in the smoking room. Sunday P.M. drove up to Mendon in two loads. Clare & I in a buggy with a stable horse & the others in buckboard. Tried to sail, but there wasn't much wind, and it began to sprinkle so started home. Tried to race and our horse got excited and ran. Got right on the electric tracks and it was terribly dangerous. Clare pulled on one rein and I on the other and we just ... before we could stop him. My hands were a sight and my nerves were slightly shaken, but it didn't amount to much, it might have. After dinner, Otis and Lily were over, went up in the billiard room, turned out the lights and told ghost stories, Otis told some fine ones. Got very creepy so went down and played while Otis and Lily went foraged around in the dining room and had supper. Then packed, talked, & bed. Got up for 8:30 train. Aunt Fannie & Aunt Bea were on it, so talked with them awhile. Arthur went down with us. Rushed around shopping in A.M. book of Grace Farniss plays and various things. Met Arthur for lunch, then drove up & called on Miss Hersey. Liked her immensely. I am afraid I shall have to work pretty hard, but it's a lovely school, and I shall be nice and independent and near the boys so it's just what I want. Katharine may go there too. If she does, it will be fine. Took the train back to school. Arthur went to station with us. Hated to say goodbye to him. He is mighty good brother, and I am terribly proud of him. Saturday, June 4 Had a jolly ride to Boston. Got there at one, found Arthur and Frank at Adams House, had lunch, then theatre a box. 1492 which was perfectly fine. Reached home at six and found house all trimmed and everyone dressed for the reception to Otis and Lily. Had tea up in red room, then dressed, and staid up in billiard room playing pool till people began to come, then down and talked a blue streak till twelve to the assembled crowd, introducing, etc. Girls seemed to have a good time. Everybody liked them at any rate. After people had come all the family went out and had supper. Lily looked too lovely for words, & was mighty sweet to me. Wants me and another girl to go up to the graduating hop at West Point. Shall ask Frances. Danced awhile then bed. Monday, June 22 acked Thursday eve and left Friday A.M. on early stage for West Point. Ethel, Luce and Miss Taft went down to New York too. Met Otis and Lily in station but Frances Wasn't there. I had telegraphed her first to me at 3:30 and then afterward at 11:30 but she didn't get the second one as it turned out. Hunted all over the station for her, and finally gave her up and went up to Murray Hill for lunch. Just caught train. Boiling hot, but jolly journey. Reached there about 5. Most beautiful place I ever saw. The river, the mountains, the old buildings and the uniforms are certainly picturesque. A ball game was going on as we drove by on the bus and it was the prettiest thing, the girls in their giddy gowns and parasols and all the brass buttons made us eager to join the fray. Found that they hadn't kept our room at the hotel, and couldn't get a carriage, so Otis went off to Cranston's in the wagon with the trunks and we started across the parade ground to meet Daniel Duncan. Met him and two friends and took a walk around, learning something about the place and the rules. It is certainly is unique. Everything is under the strictest military discipline, of course, and the life just trains those boys down. Their faces look old and manly, and they have so much more character and so much more to them than boys anywhere else. It may be a hard life, but it makes men out of them. Walked around till Otis came back then down to Cranston's for supper. Gas went out while at supper, so dressed by two candles apiece. Up to dance at drive and danced till one. Glorious time. They all danced superbly, the room was lovely, the brass buttons were dazzling, and the moonlight walks outside were simply entrancing. "There was a sound of revelry by night" kept running through my head but the funeral knell didn't strike till one when they beat the drum, which meant twenty-five minutes for the cadets to see the girls home, and be back in barracks. My partner Payne B. was simply fine - one of the best dancers. Had a simply dreamy time. Frances looked stunning as usual, and was mighty popular. Talked pretty late, and woke up pretty early. Had coffee in bed, then dressed, leisurely breakfast, and up to parade ground again for graduation exercises. Speeches under a big tent brass, band, diplomas etc. But the thrilling part was when they all formed in a long double line afterward and they read off the officers We didn't know it at the time, for we couldn't understand a word said, and the cadets' faces looked like blocks of wood for all the expression there was in it, but knew it the minute "Break ranks" came. The graduating class rushed to get on civilians' clothes for the first time, the newly-made officers to get on their chevrons and everyone was shouting, congratulating and generally going crazy. We went over to barracks awhile to see the fun and Payne P. came rushing up with is new chevrons, also on Daniel, Mr. Howy, Mr. Fleming and a lot of others. Then we went back to hotel for dinner and had a jolly timer all together on porch. Lily and Otis are the loveliest chaperones I ever saw and we went off on tears together all the time. Packed up and took trunks up to the other hotel where a last had rooms, then went to barracks for Daniel, and all went down to... Lily Otis and Daniel ahead Payne C.H. and I and Smith and Frances on a lovely walk and didn't get back till suppertime. In eve Daniel, Mr. Honey Payne CH, and somebody else I forget his name, came over. We listened to the band on the lawn awhile then sat on back porch and gazed at moon. Most beautiful thing imaginable. Daniel and I perched on rail and had lovely talk. He is a mighty sweet boy. Makes me think of Arthur. They had to go at ten and we were glad to go to bed. Sunday A.M. Frances and I got up at 6:30 and went down to the hedge to meet our cadets and see guard-mounting. Very pretty but boiling hot. Then back for breakfast and over to visitor's hour with Lily and Otis. Watched cadets form for church and followed after procession to church ourselves. Then one last farewell, pack trunks and off. I never had such a time before!!!!!!! Boiling on cars and caught my train at New York. Horrible crowd on train. Flirtatious youths and tough girls. Uncomfortable time. Drove over from Hartford and got to Farmington about eight dead tired. Bed early, after showing my buttons and telling my experiences about sixty times. Sunday, June 26 Tennis tournament went on in A.M. Pauline Schultz won singles. Not much excitement. Boiling hot. Left at noon after saying goodbye all A.M. Pretty awful to think it's all over. It has been an ideal year, and I suppose I shall look back on it all my life. Well so it goes. Good things can't last forever - more's the pity. Got home Monday eve. Lily and Otis were over. Bed early. Tuesday A.M. Frank, Clare and I went to Boston on 8:20 en route for Exeter. Shopped a little, then lunch and Exeter at 2. Arthur met us at station with fine pair of horses and took a lovely drive over to Hampton Beach, then left Frank at station, and up to hotel for supper, and went to dance at nine. Fine time, and danced all the time till half-past two, when got in back with Valene Faulhaver, Arnold and Arthur, and went up to Campus to see bonfire. Funniest thing to see sudden change of costume in boys from dress suits to sweaters. After fire bed. Up again about eight, and after breakfast, down to Arthur's room, then train. Harrison, Thayer, Armstrong, and Brent saw us off, and McKee and Diven went down with us. Became deathly ill after started and made a wild rush to ladies toilet, where proceeded to get rid of breakfast. I never felt so utterly miserable. Would no sooner get back to seat in car, then would have to make a grand rush. Terribly rattling but so sick I didn't think of it that much. Got room in Adams House and lay down till four, when up to dressmakers and back to train. Miss Covelle gave me stuff that made me feel better, but had to hold on to the wall all the time I was being fitted, I was so weak. Lily and Otis came in cart and took Clare and I all over house. Thursday A.M. Lily came for me, and went up to house, then over to call on Aunt Jessie and Mrs. Brown and daughters. Very nice girls. Staid with Lily awhile, then to dinner, then went upstairs to the room awhile, but got interested in trashy novel, and read all P.M. Browns and Lily and Otis over to dinner in eve. Jolly time and sing. Friday A.M. went into Boston with Lily and chose tablecloths and linen for new house. Lots of fun. Went up to dressmakers, and round generally. Out on 3:30 and packed in eve. Saturday A.M. started off again with Auntie Weston and Clare. Had head shampoo and shopped in P.M., then lunch and then theatre. Left in middle of first act and rushed for train. Mame and whole family on train. Reached Farmington at eight. Sunday, July 24 Last Sunday A.M. country Methodist church with melodeon crazy choir and minister. Dawdled around all day, singing playing, etc. Monday Stella was taken sick with terrible pains, and was in bed Tuesday and Wednesday which made it hard all around, as she was miserable because she was afraid we Weren't having a good time and we knew we were in the way, but couldn't go because then they'd think we were bored, so bad all around. Left Thursday A.M. and reached New York at six. Met Arthur at Windsor, and while getting ready for dinner he was taken with a fearful pain and had to chase all over the city for a doctor, so he couldn't go home with me next day as planned but back to Narragansett instead, and I came home alone. Otis and Lily over in eve. And Gen. and Mrs. Preston. Saturday helped Lily pack up for Narra - over Sunday. Then in P.M. up to Upton to see Auntie Weston with Maude and staid there to dinner. Today Frank home, church, and driving and dinner with Aunt Ba. The village is lovely now, and I think I shall just stay here quietly a week. Margaret Thornton is in full sway at Narra - which takes all the pleasure out of it for me, and I dread even being in the same hotel with her. Then Otis and Lily are going to move into the house this week and I can help there. Besides Narra - doesn't offer any inducements anyway. I am just the wrong age. Arthur's set is too young for me, and bores me to death, and the rest of them are too old and I bore them to death. If Margaret Thornton wasn't there I would go down and have a good time, but as long as she is I'll leave her the field. Sunday, Aug. 7 Last Monday went up to Otis house and helped Lily move in all day. Tuesday Boston shopping. Fearfully hot and all used up. Backgammon with Papa in eve. Wednesday and Thursday at house most of time, putting up curtains, unpacking trunks, watching carpenters and admiring everything. The house is lovely already, and Lily is so happy. Saturday Papa went to Narra but I begged off till next week as Otis was going off to class dinner and I wanted to stay with Lily over Sunday. Otis and Mr. Sturges came out Sunday night, and we had a lovely dinner for them. Frank was up and a jolly eve. Monday went around with Lily in P.M. In P.M. took Mr. Sturges driving but pretty gray and doubtful day, so didn't go far. He is mighty nice. Papa came up to dinner Tuesday A.M., entertained Mr. Sturges while Lily rushed around. He left at 11:30 and I went home and packed for Narra - Reached here Wednesday P.M. Susie was at station to meet me in Victoria and drove out to Point Judith, then hop in eve. Had pretty good time, but don't see anybody I care to know well at all, and in fact don't care for it much. Uncle George gave supper after hop, he and Aunt Jessie, Susie, Margaret Thornton, and Frank and Robert Batcheller. I'll take back what I said about the sets. Arthur's crowd is much more interesting this year, but I am not interesting to them evidently. I foresee that I shall be fearfully out of it, just as I expected. I have to go to all these older things, where I feel like a fish out of water, and I don't get a chance at the others. Thursday had a fine bath, but staid in too long, and pretty limp. Went driving in P.M. with Arthur and his lady-love Kate Hains. She is a sweet girl but young. Played chaperone. In eve. Over to Casino with Arthur to hear music. Friday another good bath, up to Casino to sit around and talk awhile, in P.M. bowled with Clare & made132. In eve. Uncle George's dinner at Sherry's. Frank Batcheller took me in. Col. Johnston and Mrs. J., Susie, Margaret Thornton, the Batchellors, and a Miss Buckner down here over Sunday with Col. Johnston, a mighty nice girl. Fine dinner, but made me deathly sick. Up all night with fearful pain, finally roused Marie, and got a Dr. at five O'clock. He gave me something, which made me sleep till two. Took Miss Buckner driving in P.M. Hop in eve. Mighty pretty. Danced every dance, had some glorious two steps with Arthur. Papa gave supper afterwards. Col. & Mrs. Johnston, Miss Buckner, Miss Davis, Margaret Thornton, Uncle George and Aunt Jessie, Frank Bachelor, Mr. Tilford, and Mr. Dean who sat by me. Gray old bachelor, but very kind, infinitely bored by having to talk to me. Didn't eat anything, but same pain again. Had some of the medicine left, so all right. Church this A.M. with Arthur then met Kate Harris. Went in bathing with her. This P.M. dried hair and read aloud to boys awhile. No, I don't enjoy it. I should like it immensely if I were here with Otis and Lily, say, but I cannot with all the Preston element. Susie tries to do everything she can for me. I don't mean that, but to keep the peace, I have to be with her, which means near Margaret Thornton, and it does seem as though I couldn't breathe freely when that girl is near. It is perfectly maddening. However, if all goes well, I leave for West Point Wednesday and I ought to stank it this week. Sunday, Aug. 19 Well, if I haven't had the best time of my life, never mind. Pa's grew worse the last few days, but I left Wednesday A.M. for West Point. Tuesday, Sept. 6 Dragged out week at Narragansett in room most of time reading. Left Friday with Arthur. Got into Boston at eleven, went to call on Harrison and to please him, asked the two girls out over night. They came, and had a fearful time entertaining for Arthur went off and spooned with Kate, and left the other one on my hands entirely. They went back Saturday A.M. and I rushed up to Otises. Found Mr. &Mrs. Allen, Margaret and Fannie all there, and had a grand talk. Down in A.M. with Margaret to fix room, then long drive in P.M. with Margaret & Fannie. Back to Otises to dinner & overnight. Down in A.M. & worked over room most of day. Fixed it up till it really looks mighty pretty. Papa home from Narra-. Went up to Otises in eve. & staid over night & all day Tuesday & until Wednesday noon when left to drive over to meet Harriet & Jean who came for a week's visit. Took them drive in P.M. then back unpacked & went up to Otises to a tea given to them. Thursday started for pond in A.M. & took lunch. Went in wading while Arthur & Clare were sailing & had a grand time. Rowed over toward picnic ground to bowl & Margaret fell in trying to get out of the boat. Great excitement & rush home to keep her from catching cold. In eve. We gave a state dinner to the whole crowd. More fun than usual. Mrs. Allen looked lovely. Friday drove up to Upton in P.M. to see Auntie Weston. Sang in eve. Saturday Boston. Bummed around in A.M. Matinee in P.M., Isle of Champagne. Sunday we all went to Purgatory. Took lunch and had a fine picnic. Explored and climbed around. Got back at six. Read aloud in eve. Yesterday had tennis in P.M. Otis & Frank played. Labor Day & holiday had grand tournament and great fun. Girls go tomorrow. Have enjoyed their visit, though family didn't like them much. Thought they were too quiet. I've kept them to myself all I could. Tuesday, Sept. 13 Last Wednesday, Margaret, Arthur & I went into Boston to see girls off and matinee in P.M. The new wing at Columbia. Played tennis nearly every afternoon this week and at Otises most of the rest of the time. Thursday night we all went over to an amateur play in Milford with dance afterward. Saturday eve. went on a tear up at Otises. We all dressed up in his clothes, and he dressed in Lily's muslin and we came to the door as callers. Had a high old time. Sunday all up there to dinner. Yesterday went up to Upton for the day. Lily, Otis, Margaret, Arthur, Clare, the Knowlton boys, Auntie Weston & I. We all went up to the pond for lunch and rowed around in P.M. then Will took us a short drive with the tandem, then dinner and home. We were to have gone to a dance in Milford but I was tired out so staid home with Clare. This morning got up early to see Arthur & Clare off to Exeter. Hope it won't be too hard for Clare. If it isn't it will bring him out a good deal I think. He needs to get away from home. Papa was nominated by acclamation for Congress yesterday.[Monday September 12, 1892] Drove down to Sheldonville Sunday, and Margaret and I walked a good deal every day this week. Sunday, Sept. 25 Last Wednesday went into Boston to meet Mabel Pettit at lunch. She was passing through on way home. Went up to Otises in eve. Lily had a friend Mrs. Elliot with her. Lovely time and long talk with Mabel at night. Were to have gone into Boston on early train but missed it through Thomas fault, so made Mabel's mother miss her train to New York. I felt terribly about, but there was nothing to do. Went up to Otises that night and staid there until yesterday Maude Wilworth staid over night with us Tuesday. Yesterday Susie took us all in to see Mrs. James Brown Potter & Kyele Bellow in Frou-Frou. In eve. Went down to Aunt Ba's to see Aunt Fannie & rest just home from Europe. In a grand mess about rooming and don't see how I can get out of it exactly. Have just got to trust to luck that's all. Church this morning simply vile. That crazy organ, Young brought in a violinist who couldn't play, and there was a sloppy minister who reminded me of a complacent old sheep baaing away with no idea of sense, except a sense of his own merit that no one else felt in the least. Sunday, Oct. 9 Last week was at Lily's most of the time. In Boston Monday. Made 8 pounds of candy to send to Daniel; parties at Amy Harris and Mrs. Shippee's. Sunday Arthur home. Went up to dinner at Lily's and staid over night. Made candy for Clare Monday. Tuesday made last calls and shopping, lunch with Maude Dimarth. Packed trunk in eve. Margaret slept with me Wednesday. In on 8:30 train with Susie, Otis, Margaret & Lily. Shopped all A.M. with Lily, then met at Adam's house for fine lunch. Papa came in Miss Holyett in P.M. Very pretty. Then said goodbye and walked up to Miss Hersey's. Found Katharine & her father there. Didn't know I would be glad to see her again. Unpacked in eve and talked till early dawn pretty nearly. Monday, October 17 Got up at eleven Sunday. Blessed change from school routine. Took twenty mile drive, we four, and had a jolly time. Papa, Susie& Arthur up to dinner. Sat up and talked to Frank awhile. Got up at 5:30 Monday in on train with Arthur. Eleanor Ray got in at Franklin. Thursday, Nov. 3 Sunday trinity in A.M. & P.M. to hear Dr. Peabody a wonderful preacher. Arthur came in P.M. & took a walk with him. Over to Annex to tea and sing there. Lectures this week by Mr. Crapp on American Theatres. M. de SunTrust French reading. Mr. Lindsay came to dinner and we danced afterward I played. Saturday, Oct. 29 music lesson in A.M. then Katharine and I met Lily Margaret, Arthur & Clare for lunch & theatre afterward. "The Wife." All home on 5:30 train. Clare not at all well. In eve up to Knowlton's to card party. Progression hearts. Got home at one O'clock to find nurse sitting up with Clare. Pneumonia not dangerous but serious. Pretty worried. Sunday church in A.M. long drive in P.M. Margaret & I in car to thers with Otis. We staid out later, got behind and didn't reach home till after dark. Otis & family down to dinner, Frank home. Clare better. Monday A.M. sent Katharine up to Otises and read to Clare. Up to lunch there and drive afterward. Torchlight procession in eve. Village beautifully lighted up. Rockets, lanterns & roman candles galore. 600 in procession, saw it from poste cachen roof, then chased all over village after it & had a fine time. Halloween, so each stole a cabbage from little garden near Otis' house. Also down stairs backward but no results. Spent night there, & back to school next A.M. on 8:30 train. That eve. Mr. Clapp's lecture on "As you like it" by Lowell Institute. Wednesday horrible music lesson. In eve got telegram telling me to come home. Reached here this A.M. at in found Arthur and Clare both sick with pneumonia. Trained nurses I am no earthly use but it is better for me to be here I suppose. Depressing is no name for it. Dr. Knight just came, so we shall know exactly how they are in a few minutes. Nurse is very anxious about Clare. Temperature 104. Wednesday, Nov. 9 Thursday and Friday Clare dangerously ill Temp 105 1/4. Turned Saturday A.M. though and out of danger though in for a long illness. Dr. Whittier came out from Boston, but said Dr. Knight had done and could do everything possible. As Clare got better, Arthur worse, but he was out of danger by Monday. Sunday Otis came down with bronchial cold. In for a week probably. Spent my time writing letters for Arthur, reading, sitting with boys when I could. Sunday went up to Otis and read aloud to him. Monday red letter day. Boys out of danger, Papa back. Rally in eve. Escorted over to Milford by procession in carriage with Papa. Lots of speaking enthusiasm and cheers. Papa's speech was fine and cheered tremendously. Tuesday voting day. Otis got up to vote but back to bed again. Margaret is going to stay till Christmas. Will have to give up Springfield game unless Otis is decidedly better. Such is fate. Great excitement about voting. Hopedale only gave George Fred 42. Papa has it for a certainty. Saturday splendid music lesson in A.M. Home in P.M. Arthur much better, Clare about the same. Read to Arthur in eve. Sunday A.M. read to Clare. P.M. to Arthur & Clare, & drove up to Otises to get Margaret to come down to dinner. A Mr. Liebe, a stupid German there. Frank came home, took me out in the hall and told me Clare was still dangerously ill, afraid of consumption if didn't throw off disease better. Started back to school Monday A.M. early. Went in to say goodbye to Clare. Broke him up & me too. Wrote to Papa on train asking if I couldn't come home. Didn't hear a word. Tuesday long terrible day. Blue. Not a word form home. Breastplate from Daniel cheered me up. A beauty with my monogram. he's a trump. New dress from Morris too. A beauty. Alice told me in eve. Dr. Whither said Clare dangerously ill. Decided to go home anyway. Started to ask Miss Hersey. Broke down and cried. She was simply lovely to me, so sympathetic & encouraging. Just what I needed. Gave me some bromide & bed. This A.M. feel better. Think I have been worrying too much & been too wrought up, but I simply must go home. Am going this P.M.after music lesson. Ashamed of myself, but can't stand it here. Tuesday, Nov. 21 Did not go home after all. Letter from Papa saying Clare all right. Out of danger. Turning point Monday. Friday P.M. Lily & Margaret came in & I went out home. Started for game Saturday A.M. on early train Otis Lily Margaret &I. Reached Springfield at 11:30 & Otis went up to Massassoitto find Sturges. While gone we saw Uncle Eben, Robert Batcheller,& Gen. Walker. Sturges came & went up to hotel. Private parlour there all trimmed up with Yale flags & whole party there. Got to Worcester 7:30 & had to wait till 9:30. The Knowltons were with us an hour then got supper. Some drunken boys serenaded us on cars & two people tried to speak to us, but we weathered them. Drove from South Framingham & reached home after 12. Papa had locked us out. Had to ransack all round to get in but finally woke Mary up & got in. Sunday was with boys all A.M. Arthur moved into Clare's room & both sat up together. In P.M. went up to Otises & made 12 lbs of candy. Otis & Lily have started for Kentucky for two weeks & Margaret is at house. Read Quentin Durwood aloud in eve. Monday back to school. Exam in P.M. Practice & work. Wednesday Nov 22. Got up for music lesson in P.M. but pretty sick. Got home that night. Quiet Thanksgiving time with boys & Margaret. Boys down to table for first time. Into Boston Saturday for music lesson. Bought winter coat& went into Babes in the Wood for a little while Got home on seven train. Drove up to call on the Knowlton's with Margaret Sunday. Jolly time. Back to school Monday. Auntie Weston came in on the train, and I went out to the Langwood to see her Tuesday P.M. Dr. Fred is out there. Had mighty pleasant P.M. playing with Teddy who is as cunning as he can be. Lovely music lesson as usual. Mr. Hill is simply charming and I am improving steadily. I only wish I had more time to give it. Friday night we all went to see Sothern in Capt. Letterblair. Otis being in such a crowd & without hats made us pretty conspicuous, but we had loads of fun. The play is fine, & Sothern is capital as usual. His ... is simply fascinating & the dialogue is mighty bright. "Och! Me darlin - home back to me Jenny" "Blood will tell, Merrivale." Saturday A.M. music lesson. Mr. Hill was fine. P.M. Susie & Margaret came in & took me to the theatre. Play stupid but had fun with Margaret. Saw Mr. Keith. Lily & Otis are going to get home Sunday night & I can't be there, drat it all! Tuesday Dec. 20 all girls left for home. I staid over a day for music lesson. Seemed queer to be all alone in the house. Left Wednesday A.M. dawdled around town all day, then music lesson delightful as usual, then home. Arthur & Clare very anxious to have me go south, but Papa says no & am glad of it to tell the truth for though I would like to go & be with them & think I ought not to. I hate to stop my music. It's my last year, & I shall do little enough as it is. I really don't see why I keep on. They laugh at it at home & I never play any decent music, nothing but trash & dance music, & shall have to give it up next winter anyway, but never mind I will keep on as long as I can. I only wish I were more advanced for I hate to still after all these years just as I have laid a good foundation & begin to enjoy it. Thursday back into Boston with Margaret for last shopping & to have dress tried on to go to Katharine's. Friday we four went into parlour & popped corn & string it & trimmed the tree. Drive in P.M. Saturday worked hard all day fixing presents as they came. Got so tired I broke down & cried but Lily braced me up. Had the tree all fixed & were just lighting it when it broke in two. However patched it up with a clothesline & no one knew the difference. Otis was Santa Claus & the children were delighted. Had loads of fun fussing around & playing with them till they went home, & then all the older ones went into supper & we all waited for second table. Then the queerest thing happened. I was talking to Alice & Otis was talking to Helen & the others were all around Lily in the corner. Otis went over to speak to Lily a minute & Helen said "Come, Alice, I see we are not wanted & swept majestically out of the room. That is, she tried to be majestic but spoiled the effect by turning round at the door to see how we took it. It was absolutely the most uncalled for & ridiculous thing I ever saw. If we had been rude it would have been silly, but as everything was going along so smoothly, it was absurd. One sure thing, shan't make up in a hurry. Went up to Otises that night & Otis & Lily hung up stockings. We had candy animals, tin horns, & a high old time. Came down home about eleven Sunday A.M. found the Bristows & Aunt Nannie here. Christmas dinner at two & grand celebrations. Papa left for South after dinner to be gone a week. In eve. Played cards & had oranges about eleven then Otis & Lily went to bed & we four still on a tear made Frank's bed apple pie, dressed up a Santa Claus outside of Otis door, & then came into my room put out the gas, and decided to tip tables. We were all pretty well worked up & the table did certainly move, but now I look back on it, I think we must have moved it unconsciously. I cried again. Something's got into me. I got more tired at school than I thought. Monday A.M. fooled around, in P.M. Clare & I went over to the church to the Christmas tree there then we all went up to Otises to dinner. Arthur & I staid. Tuesday A.M. down to house, in P.M. lay on sofa in sitting room with Lily. Arthur & Margaret went out driving. Wednesday Susie gave a theatre party but didn't go. Staid in Lily's room all day, pretty bad pain. Tuesday Otis went to Bricetown on business. Was to have gone to visit Katharine Thursday & then we were both going down to Mabel's over Sunday before back to school but Lily wouldn't let me go and she was right about it, I should have gone back to school a wreck for I am pretty well pulled down. Quiet day Thursday & down to Town Hall to play given by West Upton people in eve. Pretty poor. Friday long drive in A.M. Letter from Katharine. She is having a gay time & wrote about the various dances I had missed. Queer for me to miss anything on account of health. Otis came in eve. Jolly evening. Last night we three watched the old year out. Margaret & I dressed up in old fashioned style, powdered our hair, painted, put on patches, & played ghosts. We all sat up & played cards, then went out and had an appollinaris lemonade, then Otis & Lily went to bed & we staid up & waited for the New Year. Today came down home to dinner and staid. Arthur went back to Otises. He thinks he is in love with Margaret, but as she is 3 years older, he very wisely keeps it to himself. He'll get over it after he has been south awhile. I go off to school & am taught not even to study on Sunday, to always do my duty, & not to think that society & worldly affairs are important in the least, & then I come home & am expected to do the thing that will give me the best time & to think everything of society. I don't mean Lily or the boys think that way, but Papa & Susie certainly do. I wonder if Papa always did. How I am going to get along in Washington I cannot imagine but thank goodness that's not here to worry about yet. I wonder what is going to become of me anyway. I am not pretty, as attractive in society, & I shall be a terrible disappointment in that way, that's one sure thing. Well botheration, I am meandering. New Year's has a bad effect. It's a good thing sometimes though to pull up & take a look at yourself. Last year has been the happiest one of my life, thanks to Lily. She has made a vast difference in me & everything else, bless her. There I've forgotten my Xmas presents. Suit from Papa & a fan as surprise, cape & lace scarf from Susie, two other fans, Lily & Otis pocketbook, Frank pin, Arthur & Clare hatpin, Margaret handkerchief case, photograph frames, emery, pincushion, garters from the rest of the family, & things from Auntie Weston, Maude, Katharine, Mary, Grace, Mary C., Katharine H., Jean, Harriet, Ida, Mabel, Bertha, Mame, Helen, & Ella B. Sunday, Jan. 15 Monday Jan I helped boys pack & fooled around with them all day. Margaret spent the night & we got up and saw them off to Georgia. Went to a luncheon at Aunt Nannie's [Nannie was the wife of Gov. Eben Draper] then packed trunk & spent night at Otises. Lily, Margaret, Susie, and I met for lunch at Parker House. Then went to see Wang. Loads of fun. Came up to school after theatre. Louise Church only one back. Others straggled in later. Katharine not till Saturday. School began. Had terribly hard time dropping History, but finally managed it. Am going to work like a trooper on my music & let everything else go to the bow-wows, for I really think I am getting on. Fine music lesson Saturday. Mr. Hill told me to read Maschele's"Music & Musicians" which I just finished today. Fascinating book. Am going to begin Harmony. Mr. Clapp's lecture on Twelfth Night Saturday P.M. Came back and found Katharine. She had a fine time of course and I wish I could have gone. Sunday a decidedly peculiar & strange thing happened which I haven't gotten over yet. Had a letter from Alice asking me to stop in after church. Did so, and she & Aunt Fannie both went for me on all subjects. I cried like a fool, I wish I hadn't, but it was putting me at such a disadvantage. If it had been Alice alone I could have said what I thought but you can't sit up & tell your own aunt she's entirely mistaken in all her ideas. They brought up the rooming matter & I discovered that they believed because they had heard from outsiders that I had meant to room with Katharine all along, & had deliberately lied to Alice. Then they brought up the Christmas thing & played injured innocent on me, and I never had such an hour in my life. I'll never go near them again, that's certain. I left in peace, that's one consolation. Well, I will try to forget about it. If I had been entirely rested, I'd have had more self-control, but as it was, had a pretty hysterical day. Sunday January 22 Papa came over this week to see about the Colburn affair and was perfectly furious. He shouldered the whole thing & told me not to think any more about it, & not to have anything to do with them. Such a relief! Why can't people keep from quarreling I wonder Monday, Feb. 6 Working like a dog but nothing special happened outside practice & lessons & rehearsals. Usual round. Went to see John Drewin the Masked Ball. Remarkably good farce. Funny as it can be. Saturday met Otis, Margaret & Lily at Adams House lunch & theatre. "Temperance Town." So good to see them again. Papa & Susie in Washington so staid up on the hill. Jolly Sunday. Had a long sleigh ride with Margaret & bummed around generally. Knowltons came to call in P.M. Feb. 12. Sunday. Got back to school Monday A.M. a little unsettled by going home. There's no doubt about it. It demoralizes me & I am not going again soon. Monday Feb 27 beautiful concert by Knusel quarter Perabo accompanist. Also Monday went to Dr. Bradford about eyes, and he put belladonna in andexamined them. Said I had been using glasses too strong & ordered new ones. Nothing special all week. Saturday A.M. after music lesson Katharine & I met Susie, Jessie & Margaret at Parker House ( Lily was sick & didn't come), had lunch & theatre "The New South" regular old fashioned melodrama but very good. Home over Sunday. Up to Otises & then sleigh ride all P.M. with Margaret & Katharine. Stopped at Auntie Weston's awhile. Margaret down to dinner. Back to school Mon. Miserable headache all the week. I think still it was my eyes, but Miss Hersey insisted it was nervousness from too much practice. Saw Dr. Townsend & he said I was in a state of nervous tension caused more than anything else I think, by Miss Hersey's bothering & worrying and she certainly has the element of tact left out of her make-up. Good gracious if a person keeps telling you you are sick, you begin to believe it finally. I never spent such a wretched week & I certainly made it hot for everyone around me. Went home Friday, & felt like a different creature the minute I got there. Staid at Otises. Lay down with girls till about four then got Gypsy & sleigh & drove around town. Lazy eve. Saturday great preparations for Otises two friends Sprague & Durfee. Rubbed up glass & silver & set table in A.M. drove in P.M. then came on 6 train dinner at eight. Miss Knowlton & Miss Leighton besides us. Geo. Knowlton lost his train, so there were extra girls but it was jolly. Prettiest dinner I ever want or expect to grace my presence. Table was perfect pink roses in center, Lily was beautiful& everything went well. After dinner I played for them to dance then Sprague sat down & played & sang & we all joined in the shows & had a jolly time. Sunday a fine day. Played sang & generally fooled in A.M. In P.M. Otis took men down to play pool & we rested, had a call from Aunt Ba & Uncle Ned & took a walk. Got up early Monday A.M. to see them off. Liked Sprague immensely. He is a mighty fine fellow. Didn't care for Durfee particularly. Took a drive in A.M. stopped at house awhile then over to noon train. Heard of Frankie Mackin's death this A.M. Terribly sad. Tuesday, April 4 Tuesday night Mar 28 red letter night. The Hinkles invited our floor to the Brunswick to dinner. Each of us had a bouquet of yellow flowers, all different, & the table was decorated with yellow. Had a beautiful time. It was so festive & out-of-schooly. Private parlour Paderewski's old rooms, & we posed in every available place where he might have sat. Played impertinent questions with a Mr. & Mrs. Edwards who called. Loads of fun. Wednesday A.M. girls left in batches, only three of us left for lunch. Was practicing after lunch when Arthur appeared for about five minutes & arranged to go out on six o'clock train with me. Glorious to see him again. He is in love as usual. This time I can't quite make up my mind about the girl. I do hope she is nice for girls can simply do anything they please with that boy, & he is just what they make him. I wish I had some influence over him. He is a mighty sweet boy & I do hope he'll make something of himself. Nice lesson but had to run all the way to the train. Otis Lily & Margaret came to dinner. Thursday drove up to Upton with Clare & Arthur rode Gypsy. Saw Auntie Weston & planned to go to New York & repeat last year's trip. Went up to Lily's over night & staid Friday. Saturday in Boston with Maude Walmarth. Shopped in A.M. lunch with the boys at noon & Pad. Concert in P.M. He is as wonderful as ever & I shall never cease my schoolgirlie ravings about him I suppose. The people were enthusiastic for a wonder encored him twice at the end. Saw Mr. Tucker Margaret Chapin & Robert Batcheller. Sunday went to church drove up to Upton with Clare & Margaret in P.M. & staid at Otises over night and all day Monday. Tuesday A.M. started for New York reached here 3:30 drove to Mme. Morrises & saw about dresses, then hotel to dinner & am writing now in eve. Saw three F. girls in dining room - Florence Littlefield, Alice Keith, & Edith Todd. Thursday, June 1 This diary has been lost in Otises attic all this time but I have resurrected it finally, & will try to catch up. In Easter vacation went down to New York with Auntie Weston & Katharine joined us there. Saw loads of girls we knew and had a mighty goodtime over our shopping. Went over to Philadelphia one day with Auntie Weston to call on Major Hancock & see about her being housekeeper & was very glad I went for it turned out he and I knew lots of the same people & we got on beautifully together. Hope it will come to something for it would be a fine place for her and she isn't happy where she is. He will let her know this summer. Came back from New York and staid at Lily's the rest of the vacation. Had a mighty good time all of us together. Went back to school Wednesday April 12th and came down with the Grippe Thursday. Interesting way to begin term. Wednesday May 31. Lily came for me & we three drove down to station. Arthur Frank & Otis were there to see us off & Otis went as far as Worcester with us, so we had a great send off. Were in the stateroom, so lay around in our wrappers & had a decidedly luxurious time. Reached Cincinnati Thursday night and met Margaret & Mrs. Allen at the St. Nicholas. Mrs. Allen is as perfect as ever. She is my ideal woman in every way. It was simply fine to see old Margaret again. I certainly am lucky to have such friends. Thursday, June 8 Last Friday roamed around Cincinnati streets in A.M. Shopping etc. & in P.M. took train for Lexington. Sat on campstool on the back platform & had a beautiful time gazing at the scenery and waving to all the small boys in sight. The whole family met us at the station & Mr. & Mrs. Voorhies & Charley came over while we were at supper. Went to bed early, and left them free to see Lily. Saturday unpacked and rested and babbled like a running brook with the girls all day, & in eve. Drove out to Mr. Samuels four miles out in the country to an impromptu dance with Waxy's darkey band and a regular country supper. A beautiful old-fashioned house with a great big room to dance in & everybody in for a high old time. It was great fun and everyone was lovely to me, so I enjoyed every minute. Drove home in the moonlight about two o'clock. Mr. Webb took me, I forgot to say, and I liked him immensely. Had a great time finding the key when we reached home. I started before Margaret & she called out "The keys in the usual place" I was so excited I didn't stop to think that I didn't know the usual place and after hunting wildly finally had to rouse the house to get in. Great joke on me. First night in Kentucky couldn't find the key. Sunday didn't go to church. Family all staid around together in A.M. in P.M. a stream of callers for or five men apiece. Can't begin to remember their names, so won't write them down. I put a wishbone over the door to see who I was going to marry & it turned out to be Mr. Bowman. He is Margaret's special so I fear it won't work. He got decidedly rattled & then teased him to death. Just before tea Mr. Buckner, Allen, John's brother came up and sang to us with guitar. He has a beautiful baritone voice. Uncultivated but so sympathetic, & he is jammed full of music. Mr. Wooley & Mr. Breckinridge called in eve. Monday we girls lay around and giggled all day when we weren't talking to callers. Lots of ladies came up to see me. In eve. Went to the Colombian ball at the Phoenix. Mr. Falconer & Mr. Bowman took Margaret & myself & we had a simply glorious time. Divided dances four or five times & nearly danced the breath out of me, but oh! It was such fun. It was a boiling hot night & we were all dripping & looking like lobsters, but we were having such a goodtime we didn't care. It pays to be a stranger everyone is so good to you. Went out in kitchen & had a glass of milk & talked it over "After the Ball." Henry came in from the Press office & joined the confab. Not in bed till after three. Sunday, July 23 Dull journey. Reached Boston Tuesday night & Arthur met me at station. Got home Wed. & up to Otises in P.M. Lily, Fannie & I talked like windmills all P.M. Came down to dinner & stayed home till Saturday A.M. when family left for the Pier. Had some games of tennis with the boys, played with baby & listened to Susie. Otises birthday Friday and all together at dinner. Great fun. Saturday moved up to Otises & in P.M. Otis, Lily, Fannie & I went up to pond. Fished all P.M. with mighty gook luck, then rowed over to the Point, cooked fish & had a picnic supper. Lazy week resting, driving, playing croquet, etc. Took Fannie into Boston Monday. Shopped in A.M. in P.M. ride out to Reservoir on electric car. Tuesday hands all poisoned with ivy & been doctoring them ever since. Great nuisance. Sunday Aug. 13 Friday July 28th gave a party for Fannie. All the children in the village and loads of fun. Played hide-and-seek, drop the handkerchief, London Bridge, tag & everything else we could think of. Had the boys run races & when they were tired out took them in the house & let them dance. Had supper out under the trees & kissing games after supper. Kept the children so busy they all had a good time. I forgot about the Colburn business. Got a letter from Miss Hersey asking me to come in & see her Thursday. Went and found her furious over a letter from Aunt Fannie in which Aunt F. raked her over the coals & incidentally went for me over the rooming business saying I had told an absolute falsehood etc. Of course it was stuff but it made me mad for the time being. Told Papa about it & he advised me to let the thing drop. Went to Narragansett Saturday. Arthur met me at station & took me to hop in eve. Papa & Susie went to Uncle George's dinner so sat with the Harrises at hop & had a glorious time. Split every dance two or three times, & had some fine two-steps with Arthur. A Mr.