Journal, 1862.
April 1.—Much headache this last week.
April 2.—Better this morning; writing with enjoyment. At the seventy-seventh page. Read Juvenal this morning and Nisard.
April 16.—As I had been ailing for a fortnight or more, we resolved to go to Dorking, and set off to-day.
May 6.—We returned from Dorking after a stay of three weeks, during which we have had delicious weather.
Letter to Mrs. Bray, May, 1862.
Our life is the old accustomed duet this month. We enjoy an interval of our double solitude. Doesn't the spring look lovelier every year to eyes that want more and more light? It was rather saddening to leave the larks and all the fresh leaves to come back to the rolling of cabs and "the blacks;" but in compensation we have all our conveniences about us.
Journal, 1862.
May 23.—Since I wrote last, very important decisions have been made. I am to publish my novel of "Romola" in the Cornhill Magazine for £7000, paid in twelve monthly payments. There has been the regret of leaving Blackwood, who has written me a letter in the most perfect spirit of gentlemanliness and good-feeling.
May 27.—Mr. Helps, Mr. Burton, and Mr. T. A. Trollope dined with us.