Cafe Boulevard A Hungarian restaurant redesigned by architect Emery Roth around 1900, described as "on lower First Avenue". [Roth later designed major Central Park West apartment buildings such as The Beresford.] In 1901, the Cornell Alumni News reported that the "Cornell 1900 men of New York City and vicinity" met at the Cafe Boulevard, 2nd Avenue and 10th Street.
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Sat May 4
Worked hard all morning cleaning house and by two oc'lock I was ready for a nap. I took it and afterward practised at little and my voice was in splendid condition. In the midst of practise Frank Sovak called and stayed so long that I had to shoo him off in order to give Millie her lesson. Duras sent me a half-dozen roses in the afternoon, and was supposed to call for me in the evening, to take me to Nilssen Stone's recital. But he came after I left -- 45 minutes late! I was furious. Luckily Charlie could escort me instead. After the recital -- she is a wonderful interpreter tho' the voice is not wonderful at all -- went to sing at the Sokol girls' fair. It was a very tacky affair; but, as I feared, my courage failed for the high D at the end. Strange for I had taken it repeatedly during the afternoon. Well, it is quite a different thing to sing an easy high note at home alone and to do it with a number of people watching you. After eleven o'clock Frank Sovak and Charlie came after me (Duras having taken me home first) and we three went up to Nadhernj's for the last half of their party -- the edible part! I feel like a real sport going to 3 affairs in one evening!
Sun May 5
A little bit sleepy all day after last night's dissipation. Mr. Duras took me home at noon and after the afternoon service he and I - Ella and Mr. Williams walked down Fifth Avenue to Cafe Boulevard and had dinner together there. The waiter was so slow that it took us 3 hours. I should have enjoyed it very much had Duras not been so stupid about acquiescing when Mr. Williams proposed it. Slow!! I found the latter quite nice and agreeable, and the music was good, so Ella and I managed to enjoy ourselves and hope the men did. But for a table t\^{e}t-\`{a}-t\^{e}te there must be absolute congeniality to really enjoy it to the utmost.
Mon May 6
Finished up my theory - that always takes all of Monday morning. and had a theory lesson at one. I fancy our troubles are beginning now that we have gotten into modulation. Expected to have a French reading with Mr. Collins, but he had been househunting all day and had quite forgotten his "rendez-vous'', so it came to naught. Stole into a room in the Institute and practised a little. But oh! Emma Jeannette nearly floored me with her amiability when I went to arrange about my accompaniments for Saturday. She even offered to work them up herself in case Mrs. C. couldn't arrange her lessons. She is a very accomplished woman, but oh! such an uncertain temper! A good lesson with Miss Thursby on the "Cig. Melodies'' and home in the pouring rain. "Blessings on the head of her who gave me a mackintosh!''
Tues May 7
Such a busy day! At church at 8.45 to rehearse for Mr. Smith's funeral, which took place at 10. The flowers were simply magnificent! Orchids galore and roses and sweet peas and lillies of the valley in huge quantities. I never expect to see so many beautiful flowers at once, in my life. He was worth 52 million, so I hope we get nice big checks -- sometime before next Christmas. In the afternoon went over the Gypsy songs with Mrs. Collins and for Mr. and in spite of being "indispos\'{e}e,'' the voice sounded pretty well. I felt as if I could sing an opera thro'. At Mr. C.'s suggestion for some duets. But Mrs. C. was tired and said "Wait till this summer.'' Does this mean I shall be invited? Oh. I hope so. Mr. D took me to church and called for me at 10 o'clock after I had said no. He acted very queerly and I was glad to get home. Leopold played a Sousa march on the organ and it sounded well "in places''.
Wed May 8
Mother very bad today and I ditto. Arose late and wrote letters most of the morning, one to Duras which was very much to the point and I hope will clear the air between us. Went to Miss Thursby's and went over the songs with Mrs. C. but the voice was asleep. I am not discouraged, tho; as I know it is only temporary. Did some French exercises and read a scene from "Les Romanesques'' with Mr. C. Got home late. Well the blow fell in a letter which came from Duras this afternoon. A pity that he did not get my letter first, as that gave him his answer. However, I am glad I wrote it when I did as it was easier than it would be now. I am very sorry it has turned out so, for of course there is no hope for him. But my conscience is quite clear; ye gods! had I jollied him as I have other men! Me answer was kind but to the point.
Thurs May 9
An Ascension Day service at eleven. Leopold, when I asked how his mother liked the silhouette, said he had not sent it yet; as he only wrote to England about 4 times a year. Ella and I had luncheon at the Inst. and she had the blues pretty badly. I went to read French with Mr. Collins for an hour. Had a raw throat all day but very "scientifically'' refused to worry about it and had a very good singing lesson. I do hope all goes well Saturday. Went to Miss Hoveman's for a "Caff\'{e} Klatsch'' and oh! what a spread! We giggled and chattered for over an hour and ate delicious things. A note from Duras saying that he was too worn out to go to the fair tonight; he evidently had not yet received my letter. Sent a lifesized politician's photo. Rather glad, as I was able to get to bed early.
Fri May 10
Home all morning. My throat does not feel "tout \`{a} fait bien'' but I won't admit that it feels badly. It simply poured all afternoon and I had to run north, south, east, and west in the midst of it. Went to the Virgil School to rehearse the "amateur'' songs at 3.30. Then down to Mr. C's to read French. We read the second act of "Romanesques'' and it is simply delightful. Then Mrs. C. went over the "Gypsy Ditties'' as she calls them. They did not go quite as well as last time; but I must buck up tomorrow. Had dinner with the C's and then rushed to church. Came 6 minutes late and Leo gave me a quizzical look but said nothing and was nice about letting me go at 9.30. Frank Sovak called for me and took me to the Virgil School. They were all waiting impatiently; I sang very well and the songs seemed to take.
