The two Americans were captivated by it, and nothing would do but that MacDowell should purchase it for a home.

There was some question of its practicability by his cooler-headed wife; but eventually the cottage was bought, with half an acre of ground, and the MacDowells ensconced themselves.

There was a small garden, in which MacDowell delighted to dig; the woods were within a stone's throw; and he and Strong, who were inseparable friends, walked together and disputed amicably concerning principles and methods of music-making, and the need for patriotism, in which Strong was conceived to be deficient.
This was a time of rich productiveness for MacDowell; and the life that he and his wife were able to live was of an ideal serenity and detachment.

He was now devoting his entire energy to composition.

He put forth during these years at Wiesbaden the four pieces of op.