Weather cold and affording us the experience of what here may be called the second Stage of Winter. I went to the Office earlier than usual and sat there with little interruption all day. But I did little as I had forgotten to bring with me from my House the book I proposed to read. I therefore amused myself with looking over the Journal des Scavans a little old volume containing four Numbers.1 But the reviews seemed to be for the most part Theological and uninteresting, and I considered the time as passed unprofitably on the whole.

Mr. Degrand came to know what my opinion of the sale of Stock was, which took place yesterday. I am fearful that my father will not be able to sell out just now at par as that yesterday brought but 59 and a fraction. I have therefore made no propositions and am glad of it. But Bank Stock is now so reduced that I should think it a tolerably safe investment for any person not desiring a great interest. I am on the whole well satisfied that it should be so as I do not feel alarmed about my Stock. After this I had no visitors and so I returned home earlier than usual in order to see Abby who had been unwell this morning and felt quite low spirited. I found Miss Anne Carter with her, and shortly after Mr. and Mrs. Everett came in; they all dined with us, and we had a stiff and disagreeable dinner. Why and wherefore I cannot say, but this feeling has grown on me so, that it is now absolutely intolerable. Afternoon, Occupied in study. I completed my translation which should have been made on a preceding day, and continued Aeschines but finished little. I find translation easier than I thought. Words arise very rapidly. In the evening, Clarissa to Abby, after which a Chapter or two of La Harpe on the later Historians. But this branch of his subject is very quickly closed.