Monday, May 19th

Woke and got up early—the sun shining cheerfully from the sea at least two hours before it visits the town opposite. After breakfast, up and away to our respective duties. Hamilton and I towed the Toddy back, which Robert brought with him this morning early, and we took the opportunity of returning the calf to Crawford which he sent some two months ago. It was a hard row against the wind, the calf too being very obstreperous. The Port was astir with the picnic, and I soon found that I would be unable to attend page 183as the wind had got up and there was a great deal of business to be done, so I made up my mind to the self-denial; yet it was a pity that I was so engaged on this of all days. Brought the last of the boxes, with Margaret and the children, with a slashing breeze, and not without a display of her nervous energy. Henry arrived about the same time. He, Willy and Caughey had been up the bay for a load of firewood in Wortley's boat. They brought three cords. In the evening we lit the fire in our room and enjoyed for the first time ease and dignity in our own part of the house. The covers of my chests-of-drawers are used for and make an excellent dairy. There the pans of milk are set and skimmed.