Morning clear and very pleasant. I went to the Office and passed my time in Accounts and making up my Diary as usual. Nothing extraordinary excepting that the news relating to the French business grows more favorable. My time passes just as fast. Mr. Walsh came in and talked it over so that I had very little leisure. Walk and home to read Livy which is one of my greatest enjoyments.

We were asked to dine today at Mr. Brooks’—A family party. Mr. and Mrs. Everett, Mr. Frothingham and my Wife and self. Pleasant time enough. We avoid politics now by general understanding and this is by far the best way. Mr. Everett seems to be in better spirits than he has been but I confess I see not on what ground. His case is very near desperate. Home at six after which I finished reading to my Wife the second volume of Madame Junot.