As my son proposed to remain in town for a day or two, and as my work was pretty well brought up I determined to return to St Leonard’s in the evening. This was very nearly defeated by visits, one from Colonel Ritchie, who announced his departure for Paris, and one from Mr Bigelow, who has come over in order to please his Wife how prefers English Aceoncheers. The latter staid so late that I was compelled to have recourse to the quick driving of a hansom to gain the Station in season. Found the family not expecting me and therefore the more pleased. After dinner, I began reading aloud to them Mr Hawthorne’s new book about England.