[Boston—Wednesday, 11 June 1873]
Wednesday June 11. “The Tempest” went off better than I feared last night. It is so profoundly distasteful to me to read in public (there were about 250 persons in Mr. Clarke’s little vestry) that if it had been for any purpose but that Sunday School festival, I believe I could not have done it. We were to rise and read as our parts came in and I assure you it was not easy. However our friends were highly enthousiastic and when it was really over I felt grateful for having been able to do it. Jamie read Gonzalo and Caliban. Mr Clarke read Prospero (well too) & Stephano—Miss Ellery, Ferdinand & Ariel—Mr. Winslow, Trinculo & Alonso.
Today the soft rain falls on our mown grass. It will make our garden beautiful but the Children’s picnic will be spoiled I fear. Fortunately it rained decidedly at six o’clock, so I presume they did not start—but I reflect as Georgie Putnam bade me, on the sandwiches!!!
