It poured with rain like the very mischief: a sort of continual gushing down from the clouds, combining all the vehemence of a thunder shower with all the pertinacity of one of our own November drizzles--delightful! Went to rehearse Macbeth. Had a delightful palaver with Mr. ----, who knows all the music that ever was writ, and all the singers that ever sang, and worships Pasta as I do. Came home; put out things for the theatre: dined at three. After dinner, went and sat with Mrs. ---- till coffee-time. At half-past five, went to the theatre. In spite of the rain, the house was very full; and in all my life I never saw so large an assembly of people so perfectly and breathlessly still as they were during several of our scenes. I played like a very clever girl as I am; but it was about as much like Lady Macbeth as the Great Mogul. My father laboured his part too much. _Tuesday, 18th._ Received letters; one from dear ----, and one from ----. They did as letters from England always do by me,--threw me into a perfect nervous fever. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * After breakfast, went to rehearse the Wonder. Called in on my way on Mr. ----, who is painting a portrait of my father. Saw one or two lovely women's pictures. I wish he would go to England: I think it would answer his purpose very well. At two, went to the riding-school: rode till half-past three. The day was bitter cold, with a piercing wicked wind riding through the grey sky. D---- and I walked to pay sundry calls. Met ----, whom we had not seen for two or three days--a most unusual circumstance. He walked home with us. D---- and I dined _tête-à-tête_. On returning home, I found a most lovely nosegay of real, delicious, fragrant flowers. Sweet crimson buds of the faint-breathing monthly rose; bright vivid dark green myrtle; the honey Daphne Odora, with its clusters of pinky-white blossoms; and the delicate bells of the tall white jasmine,--all sweet, and living, and fresh, as at midsummer: I was blissful! After dinner, I went in to Mrs. ----. Came back to the drawing-room. ----, who had taken the hint about our being alone in the evening, came in. I began making him sing, and taught him the Leaf and the Fountain: his voice sounded like when we were nearer home. * * * * * * * * * * Presently Mr. ---- was announced. He was the author of the flowers. * * * * * _Wednesday, 19th._ After breakfast, ---- called. * * * * * * * * * *