Missed Prayers and recitation again for I could not help it, the lesson was so hard and I had been unwell, which shall be my excuse for I cannot possibly go on in this way, continually missing and continually cautioning myself. The summer is always a bad season for studying as the Evening will never admit of it. After breakfast, I sat down in my room and read over my Journal for the last Month in order to review it which I did this Morning, not with feelings of the greatest satisfaction either. This being done I went to the Bookstore and reading room where I spent the rest of the morning with Tudor. 220I attempted to buy a plate which he had there at somewhat of a bargain but did not succeed. From there I came home and amused myself until dinner with a little of Salmagundi. A most singular assortment of queer ideas and humourous description. More here at dinner than usual, Wheatland, Tudor, Sheafe and Dwight.

I spent the afternoon, employed pretty closely in writing up my Journal which I did and in reading a Chapter in Mitford which I have again resumed. It was an account, today, of the battles of Plataea and Mycale and the final defeat of the Persian forces, very well given indeed. As it is mere description, although very interesting, it has few of the properties of history. I can therefore say but little on the subject. Suffice it that when the prayer bell rang I felt far more satisfied with myself than I have for sometime.

After tea Dwight, Tudor and I took a walk and walking by Mr. Rules’ we went in and took some strawberries. I was much pleased with the walk, indeed my feelings which were so lately affected against my friends are now as much in their favour. The truth is, I have become fastidious and wish to enjoy them alone. Richardson is now such an eternal pest that I can hardly like their society when alloyed by his. It is singular that I should have such feelings towards an individual for whom I was exceeding sorry in the fall but he is a man who pleases better by a distant acquaintance. I do not think any thing but a change in his character could reconcile him to my comfort. Returning as the Evening was a very beautiful one, we remained in front of the house until quite late, and conversed concerning the work of the day. In truth it is long since I have spent a pleasanter evening than this, the more so as I was to incur no consequences in the enjoyment of it. XI:15.