_Sunday._--We were quite satisfied with Kean. I cannot imagine better acting, but the part was too short; and, excepting him and Miss Smith, and _she_ did not quite answer my expectation, the parts were ill filled and the play heavy. We were too much tired to stay for the whole of _Illusion_ ('Nour-jahad'), which has three acts; there is a great deal of finery and dancing in it, but I think little merit. Elliston was 'Nour-jahad,' but it is a solemn sort of part, not at all calculated for his powers. There was nothing of the _best_ Elliston about him. I might not have known him but for his voice. * * * * * Henry has this moment said that he likes my _M. P._ better and better; he is in the third volume. I believe _now_ he has changed his mind as to foreseeing the end; he said yesterday, at least, that he defied anybody to say whether H. C. would be reformed, or would forget Fanny in a fortnight. I shall like to see Kean again excessively, and to see him with you too. It appeared to me as if there were no fault in him anywhere; and in his scene with 'Tubal' there was exquisite acting. * * * * * _Monday._--You cannot think how much my ermine tippet is admired both by father and daughter. It was a noble gift. Perhaps you have not heard that Edward has a good chance of escaping his lawsuit. His opponent 'knocks under.' The terms of agreement are not quite settled. We are to see _The Devil to Pay_ to-night. I expect to be very much amused. Excepting Miss Stephens, I daresay _Artaxerxes_ will be very tiresome. * * * * * _Tuesday._--Well, Mr. Hampson dined here, and all that. I was very tired of _Artaxerxes_, highly amused with the farce, and, in an inferior way, with the pantomime that followed. Mr. J. Plumptre joined in the latter part of the evening, walked home with us, ate some soup, and is very earnest for our going to Covent Garden again to-night to see Miss Stephens in the _Farmer's Wife_. He is to try for a box. I do not particularly wish him to succeed. I have had enough for the present. Henry dines to-day with Mr. Spencer. Wednesday [March 9, 1814]. Well, we went to the play again last night, and as we were out a great part of the morning too, shopping, and seeing the Indian jugglers, I am very glad to be quiet now till dressing time. We are to dine at the Tilsons', and to-morrow at Mr. Spencer's.