Having left my keys in town, I was obliged to omit my usual occupations this morning, and in their place read part of a history of Navigation. After breakfast, went to town. Morning at the Office, not very well spent.

At the usual time I rode to Medford with Mr. Brooks in company. I took this opportunity to open the subject of my marriage and he explained his ideas and feelings with regard to the proposed arrangement. He told me that he allowed his daughter the income of twenty thousand dollars which would be twelve hundred. This united with mine will do to live tolerably well but not more. He came to nothing definite however in regard to any positive time for the marriage. It is difficult to force cautious old gentlemen out of the general phrases in which they are usually intrenched. I succeeded very well for a first effort.

On arriving at Medford, found Abby alone, her mother having gone to Concord. Passed a very pleasant afternoon and evening with her. Mrs. B. returned in the evening with her sister, Mrs. Bartlett.1