At home all-day. Paid Pat Mepham for washing etc. 18d.
In the evening read part of that simple thing called The West Country Clothier and, notwithstanding the meanness of the language, I think the character of the midwife and gossips is in some measure painted in their true colors; and the thoughtlessness and extravagance of many women are in some respects justly exposed by its often terminating in the husband’s ruin (as in the case of Mr Wilmot and, I think, the character of Humphrey Shewshow). Often fidelity and honesty are obscured by meanness of birth and the want of education; and I further think nothing is more ridiculous than to see a waiting-maid made the lady’s confidante, either when single or in a married state. If in the first, the young lady stands candidate for ruin, and, if after marriage nuptials, differences must in all probability ensue, for it many times happens that the insinuating expressions of an Abigail fail not of drawing the lady’s affections from her husband by detraction though she should be almost the only one for him before.