"_August 30._ My first performance at the Casino Theatre. It went off very successfully, and I was much applauded, as were most of the others. Supper afterwards at Mrs. Richard Hunt's, where I had to appear in 'plain clothes,' having been unable to accomplish evening dress after the play. Dear Flossy went with me." Another "performance" of that summer is not noted in the Journal; an impromptu rendering of "Horatius at the Bridge," in the "green parlor" at Oak Glen, with the following cast:-- Horatius F. Marion Crawford. Spurius Lartius J. W. H. Herminius Maud Howe. The green parlor was an oval grass plot, thickly screened by tall cedars. Laura recited the ballad, keeping her voice as she could while the heroes waged desperate combat, but breaking down entirely when Horatius "plunged headlong in the tide," and swam with magnificent action across--the greensward! "_September 18._ Preached in Tiverton to-day. Text: 'The fashion of this world passeth away.' Subject: Fashion, an intense but transient power; in contradistinction, the eternal things of God." "_September 25._ Spent much of this day in composing a poem in commemoration of President Garfield's death. Spared no pains with this and succeeded better than I had expected." "_September 26._ The President's funeral. Services held in most cities of the United States, I should judge. Solemn services also in London and Liverpool." _To Samuel Ward_ 241 BEACON STREET, December 22, 1881. DEAREST BROTHER,-- ... _Your_ house, darling, was bright and lovely, yesterday. I had my old pet, Edwin Booth, to lunch--we were nine at table, the poet Aldrich disappointing us. From three to four we had a reception for Mr. Booth, quite the _crême de la crême_, I assure you. Among others, Dr. Holmes came. The rooms and furniture were much admired. We gave only tea at the levee, but had some of your good wine at the luncheon. P.S. Mr. Booth in "Lear" last night was sublime! _To the same_ Edwin Booth had sent us his box for the evening. The play was "Hamlet," the performance masterly. People's tastes about plays differ, but I am sure that no one on the boards can begin to do what Booth does. I saw him for a moment after the play, and he told me that he had done his best for me. Somehow, I thought that he was doing his very best, but did not suppose that he was thinking of me particularly....