Wednesday, 7 December 1859
Particularly fine day. The morning was lovely ― & the long shadows over the green bright grass! ― At 9 ― C.F. went to town. At 10 breakfast rather void & solemn. ― Wrote afterwards & read the “suppressed passages” in the H. Walpole letters ― to my great amusement. ― Sent letters to post. ― Lunch. After which sang Elaine’s song to Lady W. ― & to Mr. H., & again to C.F. who came in. ― But I cannot sing well in the cold long low room, though it is very beautiful, & the Piano good. ― From 3 to 4 walked about the grounds ― mostly with W.B. ― Then wrote some of the Bassæ letters: & talked till 6. ――
Dinner as yesterday ― but with 2 Miss Moneys. ― Conversation brighter & livelier. Lady W. is a wonder. ― Evening in the gallery: ― sang a good deal. Letters from Eddy Hornby & Lucy H. ― & Miss Yates & poor dear Ellen. W. Newsom is really sinking, I fear. ―
[Transcribed by Marco Graziosi from Houghton Library, Harvard University, MS Eng. 797.3.]