Sunday, 9 June 1861
Very bright at sunrise. At 7 ― 9 ― thick clouds: then clear & fine.
Dawdled. Breakfast at 8. ― Afterwards went to the Boboli gardens, which are wondrously beautiful ―& then to the Duomo ― returning to the Hotel at 12. At 1 called on the Marchesa Farínola, ― all out.
After which, walked slowly till 3. If George had come, I could get good lodgings, I would take some for a month at once.
At 4, to Mr. Lever’s to dine. Mr. L. very cheery & pleasant. Mrs. L. invalide ― funny. Mrs. L――. lively & pleasant, & a Dr. Trotman. Much fun & liveliness. ― After Coffee, Mr. L. took me to the Torregiani Gardens ― all places let; & round the walls then back again. Met Lady “Walpoles” daughter. Heard that Mrs. Somerville is here always ― the same as ever. ―― Talk in the evening & back to Hotel before 10.
Bowels all wrong ― stoppage again.
[Transcribed by Marco Graziosi from Houghton Library, Harvard University, MS Eng. 797.3.]