and all the fine racing folk were drenched.  At about six o’clock my father came from London, bringing me letters; the weather had brightened, and I took a long stroll with him till time to dress for dinner....  In the evening music and pleasant talk till one o’clock.

Thursday, June 16th.—­At eight o’clock my mother and I walked with my father to meet the coach, on the top of which he left us for London.  After breakfast took my mother down to my “Cedar Hall,” and established her there with her fishing, and then walked up the hill to the great trees and amused myself with bending down the big branches, and, seating myself on them, let them spring up with me.  Climbing trees, as poor Combe would say, excites one’s “wonder” and one’s “caution” very agreeably, and I like it.  I took Lord Francis’s translation of “Henri Trois” back to the “Cedar Hall,” where my mother was still watching her float.  I was a good deal struck with it.  He has not finished the whole of the first act yet, but there is one scene between the Duchess of Guise and St. Megrin that I should think ought to be very effective on the stage; and I can imagine how charming Mdlle.  Mars must have been in her sleep-walking gestures and intonations.  The situation, which is highly dramatic, is, I think, quite new; I cannot recollect any similar one in any other play....

After lunch my mother, Lady Charlotte, and Mr. Greville drove off to Monks Grove, and we followed them on horse-back; it is a little paradise of a place, with its sunny, smooth sloping lawns and bright, sparkling piece of water, the masses of flowers blossoming in profuse beauty, and the high, overhanging, sheltering woods of St. Anne’s Hill rising behind it.  On our way home much talk of Naples.  I might like to go there, no doubt; the question is how I should like to come back to London after Naples, and I think not at all.  In the evening read the pretty French piece of “Michel et Christine” which my father had sent me.

     Friday, June 17th.—­ ...  My mother, Mr. C——­, and I drove
     together back to town; so good-by, Oatlands.

Monday, June 20th.—­Went to rehearsal at half-past ten for John Mason, who is to come out in Romeo to-night; he had caught a dreadful cold and could hardly speak, which was terribly provoking, poor fellow!  After my theater rehearsal of “Romeo and Juliet” drove to Bridgewater House to rehearse “Hernani.”  In the evening the house was very good at Covent Garden; I played well.  John Mason was suffering dreadfully from cold and hoarseness; the audience were very good-natured, however, and he got through uncommonly well.  My mother said I played “beautifully,” which was saying much indeed for her.  I was delighted, especially as the Francis Levesons and ——­ were all there.

Tuesday, June 21st.—­Went to Bridgewater House to rehearse.  Charles Young was among our morning audience; I was so glad