Cold, & dark, & rainy. Slept ill. ―

Took a draught ― & am somewhat relieved, tho’ feeling ill. Letter from Ellen, who is unwell, & enclosing one from poor Mary to dear Ann.

O dear me. I do not expect or wish the rest of life to be brighter, but I see it will be difficult to bear. Wrote to Ellen & to C.F.

Francillon is a good kind man, but bores me: yet I must go back again, & try to be as cheerful as I can. ―

After lunch, it became fine, & though the trial was azardous, vû that I had taken medicine, I joined Mrs. F. Edith, Robt. & H.J. in a pleasant walk. The country is beautifully varied here. ― Home by 4. ― My “dentro”1 bother me sadly. ―

Before 5 ― I am reading over all the last days of dearest Ann’s life: ― oh! sadness never to cease here!

Dinner: & evening pleasant. Lucy F.’s good sense makes all things straight & agreable. The boys were delighted with some “Nonsenses” ― & sang a little.

Bed ― not sleep ― at 11.

[Transcribed by Marco Graziosi from Houghton Library, Harvard University, MS Eng. 797.3.]

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