Wet ― al solito. ― Last night, that juvenal ― the Ensign in the 83rd ― one Fuller came in. (Talking of people here, I found that a gray tall man, with a grayer taller wife, & 3 exceedingly pretty daughters ― were Allan Duke, ― Mrs. D. ― once Margaret Watkins & their children!) At 10.30 rail to Emsworth, & Fly in pouring rain to Littlegreen.

There were ― James: ― & the W. Hornbys ― & all their tribe, Susan ― & Annie, Hugh, Phipps & James. Extremely nice children all. Δεν πριδες να ομιλησω δια την Σουσαννα ― η οποια ειναι ως πρωτον ― παντοτε γυναικα ουρανια.1 ―

After lunch ― pouring rain ever ― penned out & read in James’s room. Dinner, too wet for the Geoffs to come: ― but after dinner was dear Lady Hornby* ― the same yet older. Singing from me. ― & bed at 11.

The Adml. is astonishing ― & might be 50.

Lucy is as ever. Maria far better in health.

Evening “blessed”

*Decbr. 28.
Lady Hornby is gone.
― Mrs. Phipps ― of 1830!2

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

  1. No need to talk about Susan – she is, as always, a heavenly woman (NB). [↩]
  2. Probably added on hearing of her death. [↩]