I walked to the House of Representatives, but remained only a few minutes. I could not resist the temptation and so walked over to Mrs. Everett’s. I was expected and so I sat without knowing much of the passage of time until four o’clock. What we talked about I am sure I am unable to say but I felt quite foolish at having been there so long. Perhaps I ought to define to myself the character which my observation has induced me to form of her. As I have not been romantic at all during the course of my life, I am the more able to form correct notions 107even at this period. Miss Brooks belongs to a very warm hearted family so far as I have seen them. She certainly seems so herself. She has many faults, arising as much from the education she has received as from her natural disposition. She seems to have been looked upon by the family as a darling and her feelings have always atoned for her hasty errors. I rely much upon such a character. The person who knows how to obtain the affections of those intimately around her, is the one certainly who is the most likely to in future. There is a frankness, a simplicity about her manner which is much more engaging than the studied elegance of an accomplished belle. She is not handsome but her face is expressive and has made as much impression as a beauty’s would have done, and her education has been attended to, as she has had the advantage of Mr. Everett’s society. Her temper is high and requires the check of kindness rather than any violent opposition. Words of mildness will produce more effect than harsh or haughty treatment. On the whole I think her calculated to make a person happy, provided he is aware of the duties which fall upon him. I know not how to answer for myself excepting by promising to study them.1