The weather was so cold I did not get up as early as usual, so that I had only time for a short reading of a Dissertation upon Plato. I am now seriously occupied in Study with plenty of subject before me. Morning at the Office reading Blackstone. Examined a number of 207points of law. In the afternoon Richardson called in for a few moments. Desultory conversation. Copied as usual. Evening at home reading Middleton and Plutarch.

The weather still continues excessively cold. Morning at the Office reading Blackstone. Called upon Allyne Otis with Mr. T. Davis. Found him at home and saw all the family. There is something about them which I like very much, and yet what it is, is hardly possible to tell. Mrs. Otis scolded well for my not having been before. Returning from there I called upon George who is sick, confined to his room with a swelled face. I knew too well by the experience of last Spring what it was not to pity him. After dinner went to Mrs. Frothingham’s where I passed the afternoon and evening to see Abby. Conversed a good deal with her upon interesting but rather painful subjects. Returned home at ten.

Morning occupied in reading before breakfast, and afterwards at the Office. Afternoon at Mrs. Frothingham’s to see Abby. Conversed with her upon many subjects. Mr. Webster arrived this evening with the body of his wife who died in New York on Tuesday last. I pity his situation much. Returned home and dressed to go to a party at Mrs. Francis’s House.1 Called for Abby. The ball was very handsome indeed but I got a good deal out of humour in the latter part of it. Abby’s indiscretions are provoking and yet I can see nothing to take up particularly as objectionable. After returning home in deep thought I did not retire until after twelve. It is a little strange that it is always so at parties. Perhaps I am foolish but I think it lucky for her that the young men here are not impudent or else she would feel much mortification, and I much trouble. For she undoubtedly lays herself open to this.

Wrote to my Mother before breakfast.1 Called on George who is on the recovery. From there went to Mrs. Frothingham’s and spent an hour with Abby. Mrs. Webster was buried today. I went out of town with Abby and her father in his Carriage, to dinner. Found 208Mrs. B. and Mrs. Everett much as usual. Spent most of the time with Abby. I wish I could find something more definite to blame in her, but as bad motives are never visible in her actions, I cannot help loving her the more for her little follies.