Misty & gray. Rose pretty early. E.T. at breakfast. Talk of the T.s ― & others. ―

At 8½ went away in a fly. The 2 darling boys & their mother are as perfect a lot as can be: altogether the recurrence of regret when I leave Faringford makes me see that I like it better than any other place now. ― At the Ferry just escaped missing the boat across to Lymington. Steamer ― 3rd vehicle. Bus. ― 4th ― Rail to Brockenhurst ― 5th ― rail to Southhampton 6th. Tiresome but amiable old cove “Hennings” of Dorchester. ― Rail to Bishopstoke 7th.  Rail to Romsey 8th. Bus to town of Romsey ― 9th. Lunch at Inn. ―

Walked, ― beautiful trees, flat country ― the Hanbridge Farm: old place ― & picturesque, but altered & not drawable. Old lady, Mrs. Hall. & her story of Mrs. Hallam & F. Nightingale‘s visits. (Old peasant on the road, who told me of the old Fifields ― “courus man ser, ― depend on it: kep a bull in his hall ― & rode him every morning.” ―)

Returned to Romsey about 3 ― & took a car ― passing Broadlands & Em[b]ley, to Wellow. Found W.H.E. & Mrs. E. dear old lady ― looking very well indeed. All things quiet & pleasant, but wet afternoon. ― Dinner=tea ― talk: ― supper, bed at 10.

[Transcribed by Marco Graziosi from Houghton Library, Harvard University, MS Eng. 797.3.]