Dearest Journal,

Perhaps sensing my own melancholy, mother insisted I attend the Hadlington Ball last night. Nora and Helga were there and a welcome sight for my sorry eyes these days, although they soon were separated from me with ventures of their own. I found myself few with whom to converse with and instead, I do admit to some shame in this, indulged in champagne rather than uncomfortable conversations.

Mr. A. Lukeson, if you will recall our previous encounters over the past year, was in attendance. He was very kind to me and indeed saved me form making a fool of myself. I feel I may be indebted to him for quite some time. We passed away quite a good bit of the evening in conversation and he danced with me. I admit I wish my circumstances were different in some regards because I almost feel that he might have thought something more of our evening than I was allowed to believe in myself.

Love,
Lucille