After breakfast, Colonel ---- called. Put out things for to-night. At half-past twelve, went out with my father and Colonel ----. Called upon his honour, the Recorder, but he was in court, and not to be seen. Walked down to the Battery. The day was most lovely, like an early day in June in England: my merino gown was intolerable, and I was obliged to take a parasol with me, the sun was so powerful. The Battery was, as usual, totally deserted, though the sky, and shores, and beautiful bright bay, were smiling in perfect loveliness. A delicious fresh breeze came wandering over the wide estuary; and graceful boats, with their full sails glittering in the sun, glided to and fro, swift and strong, over the smooth waters, like summer clouds across the blue heavens--as silently, as rapidly, as tracklessly.[67] * * * * * * * * * * Came home at half-past one. Found a card from Mrs. ----. I'm sorry I didn't see her. ---- called, with one Mr. ----, kinsman to the authoress. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * While they were here, Mrs. ---- called to settle about to-morrow's ride. Mr. and Mrs. ---- arriving, the rest departed. We dined at three. After dinner, came to my own room; wrote journal; went on with letter to ----. At half-past five, went to the theatre. Play, the Gamester; my father's benefit; the house was very good. I played pretty well. Mr. ---- thoroughly bothered me, by standing six yards behind me: what a complete stroller's trick that is. So we are to act on Saturday. If I can go to the opera, all the same, I sha'n't mind so much; but I will be in most horrible dudgeon if it prevents that, for I want to hear this new prima donna. Mr. ---- was behind the scenes, and ---- _wrapt_, in his usual seat: he's a delightful bit of audience. Received a bill of the intended performances for Thursday, Mr. ----'s benefit; and such another farce as the whole thing is I never heard of; as Mr. ---- says, "the benefit of humbug," indeed. * * * * * * * * * * Came home. While we were at supper, my father showed me a note he had received from ----, which, to use a most admirable vulgarism, struck me all of a heap. A sort of threatening letter, desiring him, as he valued his interest, to come forward and offer to act Charles the Second for the said Mr. ----'s benefit, having already agreed to act in one piece, for said Mr. ----'s benefit. "O monstrous! monstrous! most unnatural!" What a vulgar wretch the man must be! _Wednesday, 28th._