February 2 Monday – In Riverdale, N.Y.: Sam’s notebook: “33d wedding anniversary. I was allowed to see Livy 5 minutes this morning, in honor of the day. She makes but little progress toward recovery, still there is certainly some, we are sure” [NB 46 TS 9; also MTB 1195].
Sam wrote a note to Livy on their 33rd anniversary, and inscribed a copy of Diana of the Crossways, by George Meredith (1885) to her: “This is Diana, who so greatly entertained Theodore & me, years ago. (by help of a game.) . SL. C” [MTP; eBay item 170258807669; Sept. 9, 2008]. Note: See Gribben 464 for Sam’s opinion of the book and of Meredith.
Sam also write a short note for his invalid wife:
Wedding-day Anniversary, / Feb. 2, 1903
It’s a long time ago, my darling, but the 33 years have been richly profitable to us, through love—a love which has grown, not diminished, and is worth more each year than it was the year before. An so it will be always, dearest old Sweetheart of my youth. / Good night, and sleep well [MTP].
Hélène Elisabeth Picard wrote from France to Sam. “It is certainly quite true that comedy and tragedy are being sadly mingled under your roof, but I have unluckily found it more tragical than otherwise. I am quite unhappy of my friend’s sorrow, though so glad because you add that Miss Jean is a little bit better and able to sit up in bed.” Picard expressed more sympathy for Jean, and told of books she had read [MTP].