19 January 1854
Thurs 19th Rainy—Reading & walking A.M. at writing P.M. or, rather, trying to do so, for a young lady as Miss Melissa (Secor) being in my room for a couple of hours, of course there was no writing while she was there, especially as I have taken quite a liking for her; which liking, if I am not very careful will turn into love—It requires all my self-command to prevent such an issue—much desired, I have good cause to think, by the lady—