December 16 + 

Here I am once more. A passable night. After breakfast the intermittency recommenced⁠—it is better now, with a dropped beat only about once per half-hour, so that I am almost happy after yesterday, which was Hell. The world is too good to give up without remonstrance at the beck of a weak heart. + 

Before I went to sleep last night, my watch stopped⁠—I at once observed the cessation of its tick and wondered if it were an omen. I was genuinely surprised to find myself still ticking when I awoke this morning. A moment ago a hearse passed down the street.⁠ ⁠… Yes, but I’m damned if I haven’t a right to be morbid after yesterday. To be ill like this in a boardinghouse! I’d marry tomorrow if I had the chance. + 