7.35 to 8.30 walked on downs. Gray day. ― speculations on future ― here, London, or where?

Breakfast ― & began to colour the last Mt. Athos views. Meanwhile ― the wind riz & the waves [bloo].

Ahi! it is well to sham laughing ― but I feel as if I could laugh no more ― really. Those last hours of dearest Ann, & the sight of her dead, are great & dreadful realities ― but the knowledge that I am so alone & can appeal to her no more, is far worse ― & ever increasing.

Many letters: from Ellen, Miss Morier, Mrs. [] Robinson, Mrs. Davidson, ― &c. MISS HORNBY IS DEAD. ―

Grew weary of drawing ― & of watching the sea.

At 10 to AT’s & talked with ET ― & tried to walk in the garden ― but the wind was too horrid.

Came back, & drew again: then it rained, & blew furiously. ― Mrs. Murrow ― (who never was in London before last June ―) did her best to “console my mind” ― as she said: telling me of the Q.’s visit here & of the Princess Helēēna &c. ― who made a picnic in her upper room. “Would you believe it Sir, those Princes & Princesses spoke common just like my own children! I could not have believed it Sir!” ―――

Played on Mrs. Frankland’s Piano: ― & at 6.30 dined alone. ― Mr. F. came in afterwards ―: really a nice fellow. ―

Sate & played & sang with him till 10.30.

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