Have been painting all day experimenting on the head of Gertrude but do not make it any better. Weir and his brother called and Mrs. Wheeler came and made me a nice call. I showed her the little head of Carrie which she liked very much and I mean to give it to her. She invited me to dine at the Thurbers tomorrow. I dined with Fred & Annie Norton this evening. Julia was there and I enjoyed it very much. From there I went to the Council. I was urged for the hanging committee but I declined on the ground that I was opposed to the whole plan of taking the most important function of the Council out of its hands, the arranging of the exhibitions and that I have determined not to serve on any hanging committee so long as this system prevails. The more I think of it the more foolish and absurd the whole thing seems to me. A letter from G. W. V. Smith of Springfield asking me if I would take less for my picture in case he had an offer. Replied that I would not. Wrote to Mr. Bates of Providence whose frame was sent a day or two ago.
Gertrude
What shall I say my friend, my own heart healing,
When for my love you cannot answer me?
This earth would quake, alas, might I but see
You smile, deaths rigorous law repealing!
Pale lips, your mystery so well concealing,
May not the eloquent, varied minstrelsy
Of my inspired ardor potent be,
To touch your chords to musics uttered feeling?
Friend, here you cherished flowers. Send me now
One ghostly bloom to prove that you are blessed.
No?--If denial such as brands my brow,
Be in your heavenly regions too, confessed,
Oh may it prove the truth that your still eyes
Foresee the end of all futurities!
Rose Hawthorn Lathrop
The above is from The Scribner for Feb. and seems almost to have been addressed to Gertrude. Several people have called my attention to it and asked if it referred to her.
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