Diary Entry of December 5, 1874
The household feels divided between ordinary family rhythms and the strain of R.'s troublesome dealings with Voltz and Batz. While the children enjoy skating and the evening brings a thoughtful reading session, there is an undercurrent of irritation about trust, business, and the moral lessons drawn from the book.
Saturday, December 5:
R. writes letters, among others to Voltz and Batz, the relationship with whom is causing difficulties. The children go skating morning and afternoon.
In the evening R. reads to me from Secret Societies; though written from a Catholic standpoint, the book is very instructive.