Thursday, Apr 28, 1881 Tried to paint but had to succumb to a headache. Went out and got half a bottle of champagne which I drank. Hillyer, half blind artist of 20 years ago called with three studies of allegorical pictures of the Past, present & Future he has been painting 9 ft. long, and being a clerk in a government office meanwhile. Wants to exhibit them. Heavens. What are men made of to think they can do all this art in the interests of business. I sat down on the whole idea as amiably as the state of my distracted head would allow. Told him I had no interest in allegory. The foolishness of the whole thing was uppermost in my mind while I could not keep feeling sorry for him. With all his interest in Art he did not seem to see one of my pictures. Poor fellow, he was thinking only of his own worries. Col. Wilkinson came in. Wanted me to dine with him but could not. Head did not stop aching. Went to dinner feeling very shaky. After dinner went with Julia Vaux and Fanny Mendelson to a rehearsal of the Musical festival at the 7th Regt. Armory 66th St. Afraid my head would burst but finally got better and was nearly well by bed time. Stopped at the club and drank a lemonade. Found Thompson & Beard there. Thompson quiet and thoughtful. We walked home together. He troubled and several times on the point, it seemed to me of unburdening himself of some worry. I feel sorry for him. He is in a vice and I am afraid it will take a stronger character than he possesses to get out of it. Giffords pictures sold tonight (2nd part).
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