[Boston—Wednesday, 30 September 1874]
Wednesday 30. “J” and little B. gone to Manchester. I finished this book, writing up the foregoing with a glorious sunshine pouring in at my window and only one or two interruptions. Mr. Zŭllig the poor German teacher came & I excused myself. Mr. Weiss came and I had a pleasant interview—says Lowell is at work upon the Provençal poets.
I forgot to record a day in Cambridge last week. Saw Mrs Lowell for the first time since her return. She is much absorbed in housekeeping—it takes too large a share of her life. Cannot we women preach to ourselves so we may hear, about subordinatedly inferior matters. She says she has a sensitive & superior being to care for.
Stopped at Longfellow’s; found him and his daughters. I can hardly say how truly lovely these children seem to me. He talked of his new book “Poems on Places” if that be really the title. He gave me to read for the first time that glorious poem of Leigh Hunt The Trumpets of Doolkarnein—and I gave him Bodryddan both lovely after their kind—
He does not seem younger but he was never more worthy of love and reverence.
A country landlord at Magnolia told J.T.F certain chairs were good for “piazzery purposes.”
A little boy sitting with “J.” was amused to see several cats come up to play also, one after another—“Cats love companionship” said “J.” “Is that anything like Catnip?” asked the nine-years-old hopeful.
Another boy was asked by “J” if he thought boys lov’d candy.
“That’s what boys are for” was the prompt reply.
