I was lately obliged to run to London on a disagreeable errand: which, however, got itself over soon after midday; when I got into a Cab to Chelsea, for the purpose of seeing Carlyle’s Statue on the Embankment, and to take a last look at his old House in Cheyne Row. The Statue very good, I thought,
though looking somewhat small for want of a good Background to set it off: but the old House! Shut up—neglected—‘To Let’—was sad enough to me. I got back to Woodbridge before night. [263]
Since then I have had Charles Keene (who has not been well) staying with me here for ten days. He is a very good Guest, inasmuch as he entertains himself with Books, and Birds’-nests, and an ancient Viol which he has brought down here: as also a Bagpipe (his favourite instrument), only leaving the ‘Bag’ behind: he having to supply its functions from his own lungs. But he will leave me to-morrow or next day; and with June will come my two Nieces from Lowestoft: and then the Longest Day will come, and we shall begin declining toward Winter again, after so shortly escaping from it.
This very morning I receive The Diary of John Ward, Vicar of Stratford on Avon from 1648 to 1679—with some notices of W. S. which you know all about. And I am as ever
Sincerely yours
Littlegrange.
Is not this Letter legible enough?
INDEX
Academy (Royal), pictures at, 49
Aconites, “New Year’s Gifts,” 211, 231
Aïdé (H.), 202