Rose as soon as I could see ― but the dull gray gloom gives me a world of depression. After breakfast omnibus to Great Northern Hotel ― where were Alfred & Emily Tennyson & the 2 boys ― dear little fellows. Passed 2 hours there ― pleasantly ― & then in a cab with [AT]1 to 40 Sackville St. where he took lodgings. ― I to Drummond’s,  whence I got £100 ― & then to Farrant, Roberson, Foord & Jones ― & cab to Lord Carysfort’s by 12½. Poor Proby ― wasted to a skeleton, & helpless ― yet lively & just as he was in most things. Speaking of B. I lost my temper, & foolishly mentioned his having abused him to me. We lunched, ― & I staid till 2. ― Then cab home. Omnibus to City. W. Nevill just returned from Bonn: ― he seems in doubt & difficulty about his boys ― & I agree to go there. We started at 4 ― & on the way called at Vertue’s, where Frith’s Photography highly delighted me. ― At Woodberry,2 Willie, grown a gaunt lad, odd ― but yet cheery & I think good at heart ― & Jeffrey, very tall & thin & apparently good & amicable. We walked in the garden ― but neither respect Will enough. However, things were not bad, ― nor at dinner ― nor afterwards, with little Guy ― & I cannot but hope better days may yet come. Marriage is a doubtful matter. ― At 7 I was driven home in a perspicacious pony chaise.

X

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

  1. Lear uses Tennyson’s monogram. [↩]
  2. William Nevill’s residence. [↩]