4th January 1826

Mama went out to pay a call upon Mrs Fitzharris to offer some matronly consolation, on account of the sudden disappearance of her husband. This is a regular occurrence in the Fitzharris household. Mr Fitzharris is an awful drunkard, given to vagabonding and vanishing for weeks on end.

Papa, meanwhile, got out his pack of cards and taught me écarté. I owe him sixpence.