[Boston—Sunday, 6 April 1873]
Sunday April 6th Heard brother Bartol in the old church and walked home with Mrs Putnam whose whole soul is bound up in the political life of nations. She lives for and longs for a wider republicanism, believes in the hopes of Spain and watches with an eager eye the ruler who held the views of our own government.
Mrs Dresel came in to see me. I was moved by her story. She is nervously ill—terrible headaches & their concomitants. Her husband is a constant weight upon her and her children a continued anxiety. What must it be never to have that rest at home which the whole being demands. “I thought once of quiet evenings when we might read together, but I give up all thought of that. Otto is always busied over his music and he is most unhappy when he is interrupted. My constant endeavor is never to let anyone disturb him at the wrong time. I overheard the children talking one day, Elly said, Papa is cross today. No, said Luly he’s only got the nervous. Our little talk seemed to do her good.
Mother, Sarah, Lizzy came to lunch and Jamie read his Sydney Smith lecture to them.
