[Boston—Monday, 3 June 1872]
Monday. Everything was packed for a journey to the White Hills. I have omitted to say that Robert Collyer and his wife came to supper with us Sunday Evening. He had preached three times during the day & was tired but he was interesting as ever. It was the first time I had seen his wife and I could see the poor man wince as she distinctly dropped her h’s or clapped them on where they did not belong. But I think the two are entirely devoted to each other and that he loves her dearly and entirely—it is only when such moments of contrast come that his natural pride suffers for a moment. It is but for a moment, however; she is evidently a woman of fine character and sensitive nature. I made them a Dickens punch, though he said he had “swore off” and he felt himself the better for it.
The[y] left at half past ten because they were to start again for Chicago the next morning. What a long journey for so few days of rest & pleasure. The fire almost broke their hearts. I see it quite as much in the woman & feel how very very much the women have suffered in losing their homes. After all more than the men.
We talked a little about that able woman, Mrs Dall, with whom Mrs Collyer had been passing the evening. Fortunately she said there was company so they did not quarrel. The church is being rebuilt but the strikes among the workmen make building far more expensive than anyone could have supposed. They intend to have the vestry-room, however, ready for occupation on the day of the anniversary of the fire.
Monday threatened rain and I had some business still left to do so we deferred our departure until Tuesday, but Tuesday was a settled storm so I read Horace Walpole and remained in-doors. At night we went to see the Vokes family at the theatre, athletic creatures, full of life & vivacity. They are English and the handsome sister reminds us of the actresses of Reynolds time—Woffington let us say—especially where she dances in a certain green satin dress. There is such grace & “go” in her. We have seldom seen anything better.
