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.

Yesterday, which was a true Washington day in the softness of the air, gave place to a cold snow storm today which in the evening changed to hail and rain. I attended Meeting in the morning and heard Mr. Stetson, but was thinking of things far different. Little occurred of moment, but I can set this down as one of the most blissful days that in my life I have ever spent, and thankful am I to a gracious God for such.

Returned to Boston with Mr. Brooks. The morning was quite pleasant. Morning at the Office. Called at George’s Office and had some Conversation with him. He is again relapsing into his foolish notions. How difficult it is to assume new character. Read Blackstone and finished the first Volume. Copied in the afternoon from Judge Howe’s Lecture, which I hope in one more tack to finish. Took a walk with Richardson and attended Moot Court to hear a spirited debate between Chapman and Parker of which I took full Notes.1 Remainder of the evening at home.

Wrote a letter to my Father which detained me longer than usual as I did not rise quite so early. Upon going down to the Office I found a Note from Abby1 requesting me to go out to Medford. I accordingly went with Mr. Brooks. There was a large party of the family. Mr. and Mrs. Chardon and Mrs. Edward Brooks, Mr. and Mrs. Frothingham and the usual family. Mary B. Hall came in afterwards and in the evening some of the Medford people came in. The party to me was of course dull and a sacrifice of my own feelings, but I have learnt some salutary lessons in life since my engagement, one of which is that a man cannot in this existence live entirely for him-209self. He must endure much. I exerted myself considerably but still feel the difference which exists between this place and the home of my own family. Talked a little with Abby.