[New York—Wednesday, 19 March 1873]
Wednesday, March 19. Went to Goupil’s and were sorely disappointed at the mass of bad, tawdry French pictures. The only good things were two or three French water colors by Zamaçois and Vibert. The clerk however gave us a card to a Mr Cutting nearly opp. Goupils, where we saw the finest pictures I believe we have ever found together in one gallery. Monks returning from Forage by Zamaçois, beyond description. It is an entire drama, the most impressive and interesting to my mind of all his works. A bit by Boldini, a water-color of great power by Fortuny, 2 landscapes by Rico, a Madrazo, a Ziem, indeed it is almost impossible to know where to stop.
From pictures to Dutton’s where we found Bret Harte cigar in mouth poring over the books. He was unfeignedly happy to see dear “J.” and was ready to make every kind of plan to forgather and have a good time. He grows to want more of Rip Van Winkle and devil may care every day. His face shows the months of too much smoking if not of ruder dissipations; but he was affectionate and frank as ever to us. Full to the brim of stories too. He means to write “Notes of a Lecturer.” He says he is always trying to hear as funny things as “J” does but as they never turn up in his experience he is now convinced that “J” makes them.
To the Astor House for lunch where old Mr. Stetson of the house came to be presented to me. A courtly old gentleman, formerly a friend of Daniel Webster & the best men of his time.
Afterward to Staten Island. The afternoon was mild and sweet—we found Laura working in her garden and some of the house windows open. Jamie went over to see George Curtis who has been ill. He was better, pleased to see him, & he sat with him and Cranch for some time then walked over to Mrs Shaw’s. He returned to us quite harried lest he was late to find Laura & I still talking in the library. We returned to N.Y. in the glow of a glorious sunset which made the whole pageant of sea and sky & the great city on our arrival, beautiful as a dream.
We were too tired for anything but dinner after such a day.
