Mail off this morning; a lull now till the arrival of the _Galatea_, overdue. Phelps dined with us yesterday: he the manager of the Pacific Mail Company; she “raised” and in heart a Southerner; he ditto, but both loyal. The Scotts of 10th Regiment also dined: she the daughter of the once charming Caroline Stoll, who married, first Thompson, father of Mrs. Scott, secondly Bob Tryon: she died soon after. [Sidenote: Aug. 25.] Made an attempt yesterday in Curio Street: disappointed in the trip I had promised myself with the Duke of Edinburgh to Peking; have now the difficulty of executing two ladies’ commissions for curios in Japan, where they are now not only scarce, but enormously dear. Our dinner-party included Dr. Hofferman, Staff-Inspector-General of Military Hospitals, Maxwell, Bosman, and Leman. [Sidenote: Aug. 26.] Sorely tempted yesterday to buy two nietschkies, but prices are 500 per cent above what they used to be. Got a ride with my boy, who begins to move faster than the Betto who leads the pony can stand. French mail arrived this morning, bringing French Admiral. [Sidenote: Aug. 27.] Into Curio Street again! Could not resist two of the best nietschkies I have seen, but at the highest price. In the evening we got the contents of French mail. An Admiral Seymour dead. Hope it is not my friend Henry, although news by last mail announced his being ill. _Penelope_ to be new flagship. Hewitt to be Captain. This morning returned new French Admiral’s visit; also looked up my old friend the American Admiral Rowan, in whose cabin I saw my photograph framed. [Sidenote: Aug. 30.] Intended to have recorded passing events after church yesterday, but on coming out, the _Galatea_ was reported coming in (29). [Sidenote: Aug. 30.] Our Saturday dinner-party included Major and Mr. Lucas, Gambier (_Sylvia_), and Stanhope. I was restless during the night, which, added to occasional strange noises, sent me cruising about the house with my revolver. Having seen the orderly on the alert, I placed the revolver on the dressing-table, which stood between the entrance to the bathroom and the side of the bed where I slept, close at hand, and again turned in. On awakening, found some expert thief had entered by the bathroom window, left open for air, and had not only abstracted three pairs of my wife’s boots, but, by way of adding insult to injury, the rascal appropriated my revolver and the clothes of my Flag-Lieutenant. Several Japs had been seen about the grounds during the night by the orderlies, but in the unfinished state of outbuildings and grounds they had many ways of escape. A small ladder used by the builders was found placed against the bathroom windows, by which the rogue or rogues had entered.