148 The Francis A. Drexel Family 
Saturday August 17 Visit to Aunt Harriet. Met old Father 
Beasly [P. E.] on the cars. What a type of the dear old fashioned 
gentleman! Well read, with plenty of anecdotes to fit all occa­ 
sions, & beaming over with the milk of human kindness. Lise 
Sunday Aug. 19th Grand discussion about comparative hap­ 
piness to be found in religious & secular life, between Mamma & 
Aunt Louise: each exalting the martyrdom of her own state. Hap­ 
piness is so much a matter of disposition, good sense, or conscien­ 
tiousness, that I maintain it adheres to the person far more than 
to the state. The internal peace that comes from fulfilling ones 
vocation is a different thing. Lise 
Thursday Aug. 21st An unexpected visit from Mr. & Mrs. 
Gibson, being with Mrs. Randall & Miss Sue. They yielded to 
our persuasion to stay to dinner as people who are loath to break 
up a pleasant chat; & as our guests appeared in spirits so were 
we likewise; seldom does a visit happen so opportunely. Lise 
Friday Aug. 22nd Di seized with bad colic, doctored all day 
by Henry & James without success. Nightfall brought serious 
concern for his life. Mama had recourse to human practice & 
ordered spice plaster: I to veterinary, and wrote a prescription 
with the astute air of one who knows his business. The kitchen 
at one time counted seven volunteer doctors, some advising, some 
scolding, some mixing, all undoing what the others did. Lise 
Saturday Aug. 23rd Di stopped pawing at three & a half P.M. 
Pain followed by weakness. Each member of the family lays to 
herself the flattering unction of the cure. 
Wednesday Aug. 27th Grand dinner party consisting of Aunt 
Lizzie, Uncle Joe, Mollie Dixon, Emma Andrews, & Hal Pat­ 
terson making with our standing family & Miss Bilger, thirteen. 
Hal was banished from the table in consequence. The Following 
of Christ is particularly a good book for a house-keeper to read 
continually until she is imbued with the use & necessity of humilia­ 
tions; because her pride, being in small matters, is incessantly 
wounded by small defeats. After a morning's pains to make the 
house pretty & neat on the arrival of the guests, my horrified gaze