February 3 Wednesday – Sam’s notebook: “Marchesa Alli Macarani / Lung’ Arno del Dempio, 2 / 1 st & 3d Wednesdays” [NB 47 TS 5].
Dr. Laing Gordon wrote two letters to Sam.
“I learn from Mrs. Laing Gordon, who had the pleasure of meeting you at Villa Bel Riposo yesterday, that you have been unable to obtain tickets for our performance of Cousin Kate. / I have four stalls at (10 francs) left over…It would be a great pleasure to have you wisth us…for the evening performance on Friday Feb. 12th” He asked if Sam could write a prologue for the amateur performance. In his second note he corrected the first, saying he had only three “stalls” for the play [MTP]. Sam wrote on the bottom of the second note: “Do you & Clara, or either of you wish to go—so I can send cheque by bearer. /SLC / We’ll take two seats.”
Sometime after Feb. 3, Laing wrote again: “It is with great pleasure I have heard from Mr. Gregory Smith of your kind promise to read to us at our performances of Cousin Kate.” He put Sam first on the program, a few minutes after 8:30 p.m. on Friday and a few minutes afer 3:30 p.m on Saturday. The top of the note is missing.