Lighter day ― & fine all through: colder. ― dry. ˇ[Thomas Baring called.] Letter from Widdrington ― very nice: replied to.

Did portions of Bethlehem ―, Interlaken, & the Cedars, but thought I should work better if it were framed. So at 1, I went to Foords ― & ordered the frame ―――― a queer life of speculative uncertainty, but yet better than nil=idleness: & after all I can pay every debt I have incurred by selling out my “savings.” ―― From Foords, to Bickers & Gush ― & thence to 45 St. James’s Place. ― Mrs. Thomas is dead. ― Poor Thomas! the terrible wrench of these separations. ――

Home by 3 ― & soon after, the Lebanon frame came ― but took up just 3 hours in setting up. J. Edwards came at 4 & went at 5.30. And at 6.30 ― I to Wyatts.

The first thing I heard there was from T. Wyatt who had just come from Lord Ailesburys ― ― that Granville Vernon died last night!

Poor bright kindly Lady Selina!

At Wyatt’s ― as usual, everything was pleasant & merry ― the C. Manbys & the Digby Wyatts: & one Travers Smither, all pleasant & nice ―! In all my visitings, no house is more intellectual more cheery ― more tasteful, ― better. ――

Sang heaps afterwards. Mr. & Mrs. Manby took me home.

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