Wednesday, 13 February 1861
(Didn’t know it was [Ash Wednesday]1 until I saw salt fish.)
A very brutal day. Riz ― to find a coat of snow over all things. After which, a deadly thick fog ― so dark that all work was nonplussed. ― So I drew Nonsenses ― till tired, ― at 2 or 3 ― fell asleep.
Awoke by F.L. who came ― 3.30 ― or 4 ― but odiously ― that good very fooliz Genl. Rawdon also, the Lord help him ― he is a great Ass! ―
Frank however ― outstaid him.
And later, came J. Edwards: ― I prevent all talk of Miss L. as far as I can: conscious that a straight-a-head line of life for the present, is best for J.E. without future dreams.
At 7½ at E. Drummond’s. Only Mrs. D. there: ― sweet sad faced ― natural & charming mannered, ― & good altogether is that little Lady. They are both really kindly nice people. ―
Raw, horrid cold. ―
A dark & do-nothing day.
Letter from C. Church; W.F. Gibbs: ― & others.
X
[Transcribed by Marco Graziosi from Houghton Library, Harvard University, MS Eng. 797.3.]
- Lear has drawn a box around the printed words at the top of the page and connected it to this point. [↩]