Cloudy with light snow again. Busy in writing letters to the various members of my family on the continent, and clearing off the work of details. My table still has many letters upon it which I scarcely know how to deal with. Mr Forster called to ask me to dine with him on Monday. to meet some more of the school commission, next Monday, to which I agreed. He told me the other214 days that he had been invited to take Office under this ministry, which is rather a significant sign. He did not mention the place. I asked him why he did not take it. He said it was no object under such a policy as Palmerston’s. I fancy that it was not worth his taking. Forster will do better to keep on in Parliament, aiming at higher game. Walk by Hyde Park in the wet. This season reminds me of our month of March at home. Quiet and lonely dinner and evening at home. Resumed the reading of Mill.