On the land I scarcely walk or drive about at all to look after things.

Either I am loath to leave her, or I see she's dull alone.

And I used to think that, before marriage, life was nothing much, somehow didn't count, but that after marriage, life began in earnest.

And here almost three months have passed, and I have spent my time so idly and unprofitably.

No, this won't do; I must begin.