tell him the necessity of changing a way of life I had long been displeased with.  I added that I had mentioned the matter to my eldest daughter, whose prudence and solid judgment, unbiassed by passion, is unequalled, as far as my experience has reached; that she approved the scheme, and meant to partake it, though of an age when she might be supposed to form connections here in England—­attachments of the tenderest nature; that she declared herself free and resolved to follow my fortunes, though perfectly aware temptations might arise to prevent me from ever returning—­a circumstance she even mentioned herself.

“Mr. Johnson thought well of the project, and wished me to put it early in execution:  seemed less concerned at parting with me than I wished him:  thought his pupil Miss Thrale quite right in forbearing to marry young, and seemed to entertain no doubt of living to see us return rich and happy in two or three years’ time.  He told Hester in my absence that he would not go with me if I asked him.  See the importance of a person to himself.  I fancied Mr. Johnson could not have existed without me, forsooth, as we have now lived together for above eighteen years.  I have so fondled him in sickness and in health.  Not a bit of it.  He feels nothing in parting with me, nothing in the least; but thinks it a prudent scheme, and goes to his books as usual.  This is philosophy and truth; he always said he hated a feeler....

“The persecution I endure from men too who want to marry me—­in good time—­is another reason for my desiring to be gone.  I wish to marry none of them, and Sir Philip’s teazing me completed my mortification; to see that one can rely on nobody! The expences of this house, however, which are quite past my power to check, is the true and rational cause of our departure.  In Italy we shall live with twice the respect and at half the expence we do here; the language is familiar to me and I love the Italians; I take with me all I love in the world except my two baby daughters, who will be left safe at school; and since Mr. Johnson cares nothing for the loss of my personal friendship and company, there is no danger of any body else breaking their hearts.  My sweet Burney and Mrs. Byron will perhaps think they are sorry, but my consciousness that no one can have the cause of concern that Johnson has, and my conviction that he has no concern at all, shall cure me of lamenting friends left behind.”

In the margin of this entry she has written, “I begin to see (now everything shows it) that Johnson’s connection with me is merely an interested one; he loved Mr. Thrale, I believe, but only wished to find in me a careful nurse and humble friend for his sick and his lounging hours; yet I really thought he could not have existed without my conversation forsooth!  He cares more for my roast beef and plum pudden, which he now devours too dirtily for endurance; and since he is glad to get rid of me, I’m sure I have good cause to desire the getting rid of him.”