I thought about Longfellow’s words long after he returned to the States. Who made up my family now? More and more American and English visitors frequented my studio, after reading about me in art journals. And I had increasing numbers of acquaintances, such as those who occupied the sitting area of my studio today. But were they my friends? Had any of them invited me to the many receptions held for Longfellow when he visited Rome? No, I had been forced to track him like a hunter stalking a deer. 

            Today, enthroned in an armchair, Charlotte was holding forth to members of the Marmoreon Flock roosted around her. I’d come to understand that Charlotte was niizh manidoowag, a two-spirit...

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