I would give the world to see Mr. ---- directing the public taste, by an oeillade, and leading the public approbation, by a gracious tapping of his supreme hand upon his ineffable snuff-box; he reminds me of high life below stairs. The play went off very well; I played well, and my dresses looked beautiful; my father acted to perfection. I never saw any thing so gallant, gay, so like a gentlemen, so full of brilliant, buoyant, refined spirit; he looked admirably, too. Mr. ---- was behind the scenes; speaking to me of my father's appearance in Pierre, he said he reminded him of Lord ----. I could not forbear asking him how long he had been away from England? he replied, four years. Truly, four years will furnish him matter of astonishment when he returns. Swallow Street is grown into a line of palaces; the Strand is a broad magnificent avenue, where all the wealth of the world seems gathered together; and Lord ----, the "observed of all observers," is become a red-faced fat old man. "Och, Time! can't ye be aisy now!" _Sunday, 30th._ Rose late, did not go to church; sat writing letters all the morning. Mr. ---- and Mr. ---- called. What a character that Mr. ---- is! Colonel ---- called, and wanted to take my father out; but we were all inditing espistles to go to-morrow by the dear old Pacific. At three o'clock, went to church with Mrs. ---- and Mr. ----. I like Dr. ---- most extremely. His mild, benevolent, Christian view of the duties and blessings of life is very delightful; and the sound practical doctrine he preaches "good for edification." * * * * * It poured with rain, but they sent a coach for us from the inn; came home, dressed for dinner. D---- and I dined _tête-à-tête_. After dinner, sat writing letters for Mr. ----'s bag till ten o'clock: came to my own room, undressed, and began a volume to dear ----. * * * * * * * * * * I did not get to bed till three o'clock: in spite of all which I am as fat as an overstuffed pincushion. * * * * * * * * * * Select specimens of American pronunciation:-- vaggaries, vagaries. ad infinnitum, ad infinitum. vitupperate, vituperate. _Monday, October 1st._