Wednesday, 23d.—­At eleven went to the theater to rehearse “Francis I.”  The actors had most of them been civil enough to learn their parts, and were tolerably perfect.  Mr. Bennett will play his very well indeed, if he does not increase in energy when he comes to act.  Miss Tree, too, I think, will do her part very nicely.  John Mason is rather vulgar and ’prentice-like for Francis, that mirror of chivalry.  After rehearsal I went to Devy, to consult about my dress.  I have got a picture of the very woman, Louisa of Savoy, queen-mother of France, and, short of absolute hideousness, I will make myself as like her as I can....

Arthur Hallam dined with us.  I am not sure that I do not like him the best of all John’s friends.  Besides being so clever, he is so gentle, charming, and winning.  At half-past ten went to Mrs. Norton’s.  My father, who had received a summons from the Court of Chancery, did not come....  It was a very fine, and rather dull, party....  Mrs. Norton looks as if she were made of precious stones, diamonds, emeralds, rubies, sapphires; she is radiant with beauty.  And so, in a different way, is that vision of a sister of hers (Georgiana Sheridan, Lady St. Maur, Duchess of Somerset, and Queen of Beauty), with her waxen, round, white arms, and eyes streaming with soft brilliancy, like fountains by moonlight.  To look at two such creatures for an hour is enough to make the world brighter for several hours.

Thursday, 24th.—­At eleven went to rehearsal.  While we were rehearsing Mr. Bartley came and told me that the play, “Francis I.,” would not be done for a fortnight, and afterward my father told me he did not think it was right, or fitting, or doing me justice to bring out my play without some little attention to scenery, decorations, etc.  I entreated him to go to no expense for it, for I am sure it will not repay them.  Moreover, they have given their scenery, and finery, and dressing, and decoration, and spectacle in such profusion to “Robert the Devil” that I am sure they cannot afford a heavy outlay upon anything else just now.  However, I could not prevail, and probably the real reason for putting off “Francis I.” is the expediency of running the new opera as long as it will draw before bringing out anything else, which, of course, is good policy....

Wednesday, 29th.—­H——­ has gone to York.  What a disappointment!  After all, it’s only one more added to the budget.  Yet why do I say that?  One scores one’s losses, and takes no reckoning of one’s gains, which is neither right nor fair to one’s life....

I rode with Henry, and after I got home told my father that his horse was quite well, and would be fit for his use on Saturday.  He replied sadly that his horse must be sold,