_Monday, 14th_.--May came full of expectation and joy to visit good
aunt B. and study drawing. We walked about and had a good home talk,
then my girl went off to Auntie's to begin what I hope will be a
pleasant and profitable winter. She needs help to develop her talent,
and I can't give it to her.

Went to see Forrest as Othello. It is funny to see how attentive all
the once cool gentlemen are to Miss Alcott now she has a pass to the
new theatre.

_November 29th_.--My birthday. Felt forlorn so far from home. Wrote
all day. Seem to be getting on slowly, so should be contented. To a
little party at the B.'s in the eve. May looked very pretty, and
seemed to be a favorite. The boys teased me about being an authoress,
and I said I'd be famous yet. Will if I can, but something else may be
better for me.

Found a pretty pin from father and a nice letter when I got home. Mr.
H. brought them with letters from mother and Betty, so I went to bed
happy.

_December_.--Busy with Christmas and New Year's tales. Heard a good
lecture by E. P. Whipple on "Courage." Thought I needed it, being
rather tired of living like a spider--spinning my brains out for money.

Wrote a story, "The Cross on the Church Tower," suggested by the tower
before my window.

Called on Mrs. L., and she asked me to come and teach A. for three