Wednesday, 8 June 1859
Rose at 5. finished the Albanian 1857 journal ―: made 2 drawings for the boys ― & wrote to Ann, Mrs. Macbean, ― G. Bethell ― & W.H. Hunt, the 2 last after breakfast ― in answer to letters. ― Beautiful day. Breakfast not very pleasant, the dear little boys fidget me ―― wrote till 11 ― & then walked out with AT & Evans, on the lovely downs. AT went back, but I & E. went on to the Needles. a wonderfully grand view.
Back by 3 ― lunch. great disclosures & confidences, on the part of Evans ― about Dickens &c. It seems I may as well remember them as publishers also. ― Walk with Mrs. T. & with all ― AT also. Dinner. I think it a bad habit for children to come in then & feed: but I am very sorry I shewed this to that wonderful boy Lionel, whose sensitive nature is wonderful. ― A kind of sensitive excitement to have always is not good for such an ass as I am. ― Sang little. ―
[Transcribed by Marco Graziosi from Houghton Library, Harvard University, MS Eng. 797.3.]