I arose at about half past five o’clock and read Cruise’s Digest1 until breakfast. It is not my intention however to devote this time also to the Law hereafter. But as yet I have adopted no other course of reading. Morning at the Office in diligent attention to Selwyn.2 Afternoon occupied in a similar manner. Declined an invitation to a ball at Mrs. Ticknor’s because Abby was not invited and passed the evening in occupation at my room. Richardson had promised to come and spend the evening with me but failed.

Occupied two hours before breakfast reading Sir William Temple’s Essays.1 At the Office but read nothing. In the Circuit Court but nothing was done. Found a note requesting me to be at Mrs. Frothingham’s at 11 o’clock where I went and saw Abby for a few minutes. Then I lounged two hours in an Auction Room before time to return to dine. Mr. Frothingham is a pleasant man. After dinner I sat until five o’clock with Abby, when I went to the Office for a moment and home to tea after which I again went down and spent the evening at Mrs. Frothingham’s. I am extravagantly fond of Abby, and felt today as welcome as when I should see her after absence. I declined an Invitation to Mrs. Boott’s.2

Morning occupied in reading but with less time than I have had heretofore. After breakfast at the Office without reading much. In the Circuit Court without hearing much. Went to an auction of Oil Paintings and purchased some for little or nothing. Called at Miss Carter’s for Abby and paid visits with her to Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Cruft, dropping in at Miss Shepherd’s. I then returned home to dine. At four o’clock I called at Mrs. Frothingham’s in a Gig for Abby and drove her out of town to Medford where I passed the evening with her, as the family went out to tea.