well), that seeing my wife and she could not agree I did choose rather
(was she my sister) have her gone, it would be better for us and for her
too. To which she willing agreed, and will not tell me anything but that
she do believe that my wife would have some body there that might not be
so liable to give me information of things as she takes her to be. But,
however, I must later to prevent all that. I parted with her near home,
agreeing to take no notice of my coming along with her, and so by and by
came home after her. Where I find a sad distracted house, which troubles
me. However, to supper and prayers and to bed. And while we were getting
to bed my wife began to discourse to her, and plainly asked whether she
had got a place or no. And the other answered that she could go if we
would to one of our own office, to which we agreed if she would. She
thereupon said no; she would not go to any but where she might teach
children, because of keeping herself in use of what things she had earnt,
which she do not here nor will there, but only dressing. By which I
perceive the wench is cunning, but one very fit for such a place, and
accomplished to be woman to any lady in the land. So quietly to sleep, it
being a cold night. But till my house is settled, I do not see that I can
mind my business of the office, which grieves me to the heart. But I hope
all will over in a little time, and I hope to the best. This day at Mrs.
Holden's I found my new low crowned beaver according to the present
fashion made, and will be sent home to-morrow.

18th. Up and to my office, where we sat all the morning. And at noon
home, and my father came and dined with me, Susan being come and helped my
wife to dress dinner. After dinner my father and I talked about our
country-matters, and in fine I find that he thinks L50 per ann. will go
near to keep them all, which I am glad of. He having taken his leave of
me and my wife without any mention of the differences between them and my
wife in the country, I went forth to several places about businesses, and