[Boston—Wednesday, 23 February 1876]
Wednesday 23. Went to Hunts Studio in the evening. Mr. & Mrs Bangs, his brother and nephew, a little boy were there when we arrived. He said they were just “fixing up” for the company. A noble portrait of Mrs J.H. Towne was on the easel. Hunt was capering about in his liveliest way. Every now and then we would here [sic] a little noise from the small nephew—“He’s arranging the cake” Hunt would say. Presently when the cake was arranged, it was brought in on a deep tin dish and stood on the top of a high stool by the easel all the evening.
Then he began to show us one marvellous piece of work after another—the portrait of Agassiz, Mrs Towne again, landscapes in pastel and charcoal, a lady with a mandolin reminding me of Paul Veronese, “but softer” said Hunt, “’tis softer now, isn’t it” lovely in a green dress and flowing lace sleeves and yellow hair. Oh! it was indeed most lovely. Then came Eichberg & his wife & daughter. They played Mozart and were delightful. We left early. “Well,” said Hunt, hugging himself & dancing, “if you will go, I’m glad I haven’t shown you everything. I have lots more!” He was enchanting as he could be and we were sorry to come away.