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play cards, my only amusement was looking over games, etc
rules of which I was unacquainted with, and which therefore
could incite no interest, or sitting behind the players in helpless
thought, or triffling talks. — Much pleasanter was the evenings we
passed at home. Mr. Smith was all ways occupied, but
I was, James and myself, read or studied french, or played chess,
when alone; but that was not often the case, our family circle
was generaly enlarged by a few members of congress, or other
gentlemen in the neighborhood. I recollect with heartier
pleasure our twilight hours, when the large coal fire, was
stirred into a brighter blaze, to sustain was drawn close,
the sopha placed near to fire, our neat a comfortable
tea table arranged on one side to fire place, how comfortable
cheerful was the appearche of the room; Susan would
take her seat at the forte piano, and play some lovely airs,
to which Julia, her [. ],