director. Anna was the star, her acting being really very fine. I did
"Mrs. Malaprop," "Widow Pottle," and the old ladies.

Finished fairy book in September. Ann had an offer from Dr. Wilbur of
Syracuse to teach at the great idiot asylum. She disliked it, but
decided to go. Poor dear! so beauty-loving, timid, and tender. It is
a hard trial; but she is so self-sacrificing she tries to like it
because it is duty.

_October_.--A. to Syracuse. May illustrated my book and tales called
"Christmas Elves." Better than "Flower Fables." Now I must try to sell
it.

[Innocent Louisa, to think that a Christmas book could be sold in
October.--L. M. A.]

_November_.--Decided to seek my fortune; so with my little trunk of
home-made clothes, $20 earned by stories sent to the _Gazette_, and my
MSS., I set forth with mother's blessing one rainy day in the dullest
month in the year.

[My birth-month; always to be a memorable one.--L. M. A.]

Found it too late to do anything with the book, so put it away and
tried for teaching, sewing, or any honest work. Won't go home to sit
idle while I have a head and pair of hands.

_December_.--H. and L. W. very kind, and my dear cousins the Sewalls
take me in. I sew for Mollie and others, and write stories. C. gave
me books to notice. Heard Thackeray. Anxious times; Anna very
homesick. Walpole very cold and dull now the summer butterflies have
gone. Got $5 for a tale and $12 for sewing; sent home a Christmas box
to cheer the dear souls in the snow-banks.

_January, 1856_.--C. paid $6 for "A Sister's Trial." Gave me more
books to notice, and wants more tales.

[Should think he would at that price.--L. M. A.]

Sewed for L. W. Sewall and others. Mr. J. M. Field took my farce to
Mobile to bring out; Mr. Barry of the Boston Theatre has the play.

Heard Curtis lecture. Began a book for summer--"Beach Bubbles." Mr.
F. of the _Courier_ printed a poem of mine on "Little Nell." Got $10
for "Bertha," and saw great yellow placards stuck up announcing it.
Acted at the W.'s.

_March_.--Got $10 for "Genevieve." Prices go up, as people like the
tales and ask who wrote them. Finished "Twelve Bubbles." Sewed a
great deal, and got very tired; one job for Mr. G. of a dozen pillow
cases, one dozen sheets, six fine cambric neckties, and two dozen
handkerchiefs, at which I had to work all one night to get them done,
as they were a gift to him. I got only $4.

Sewing won't make my fo