Thence we began talking about young ----'s box; and, upon her advice, I again spoke to my father and obtained his leave not to send it back; so I indited him a thankful epistle. Practised for a short time, and then went to the riding-school. It was quite empty: I put on my cap and skirt, and was sitting, thinking of many things, in the little dressing-room, when I heard the school-door open, and Mr. ---- walked straight up to me. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Dr. ---- called to-day. I was quite glad to see him: he gave me all the New York news, and brought with him a gentleman, a friend of his, who nearly made me sick by very deliberately spitting upon the carpet. Mercy on me! I thought I should have jumped off my chair, I was so disgusted. Mr. ----, too, does this constantly. * * * * * * * * * * After dinner, went and sat with Mrs. ----; was called away to see Mr. ----, whom I thanked for his present. * * * * * * * * * * Went to the theatre at half-past five. The house was very fair, considering the weather, which was very foul. Play, School for Scandal. They none of them knew their parts, or remembered their business--delightful people, indeed! I played only so-so. ---- supped with us. He is a very gentlemanly nice person, and I am told he is extremely amiable. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * He told me sundry steam-boat stories that made my blood curdle; such as, a public brush, a public comb, and a public _tooth-brush_. Also, of a gentleman who was using his own tooth-brush,--a man who was standing near him said, "I'll trouble you for that article when you've done with it." When he had done with it, the gentleman presented it to him, and on receiving it again, immediately threw it into the river, to the infinite amazement of the borrower, who only exclaimed, "Well, however, you're a queer fellow."[78] _Thursday, 27th._ After breakfast, went to rehearsal. Katharine and Petruchio. After rehearsal, went to the riding-school. It was quite empty, except of Mr. ----, and Mr. ----. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Came home: found a letter to me from that strange madman. On opening it, it proved a mere envelope, containing a visiting-card with the name St. George upon it. After dinner, wrote journal; went and sat with Mrs. ---- till coffee-time. I have had a most dreadful side-ach all day. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * At half-past five, went to the theatre. Play, Much Ado about Nothing; farce, Katharine and Petruchio.