Mr. _Milton_ kissed me most tenderlie agayn and agayn at parting, as though he feared to lose me; but it had seemed to me soe hard to brook the Delay of even a few Hours when _Father_, in his Sicknesse, was wanting me, that I took leave of my Husband with less Affection than I mighte have shewn, and onlie began to find my Spiritts lighten when we were fairly quit of _London_, with its vile Sewers and Drains, and to breathe the sweete, pure Morning Ayre, as we rode swiftlie along. _Dick_ called _London_ a vile Place, and spake to _Ralph_ concerning what they had seen of it overnighte, whence it appeared to me, that he had beene pleasure-seeking more than, in _Father's_ state, he ought to have beene. But _Dick_ was always a reckless Lad;--and oh, what Joy, on reaching this deare Place, to find _Father_ had onlie beene suffering under one of his usual Stomach Attacks, which have no Danger in them, and which _Dick_ had exaggerated, fearing Mr. _Milton_ woulde not otherwise part with me;--I was a little shocked, and coulde not help scolding him, though I was the gainer; but he boldlie defended what he called his "Stratagem of War," saying it was quite allowable in dealing with a _Puritan_. As for _Robin_, he was wild with Joy when I arrived; and hath never ceased to hang about me. The other Children are riotous in their Mirth. Little _Joscelyn_ hath returned from his Foster-mother's Farm, and is noe longer a puny Child--'tis thought he will thrive. I have him constantly in my Arms or riding on my Shoulder; and with Delight have revisited alle my olde Haunts, patted _Clover_, etc. Deare _Mother_ is most kind. The Maids as oft call me Mrs. _Molly_ as Mrs. _Milton_, and then smile, and beg Pardon. _Rose_ and _Agnew_ have been here, and have made me promise to visit _Sheepscote_ before I return to _London_. The whole House seems full of Glee. _Monday_. It seemes quite strange to heare _Dick_ and _Harry_ singing loyal Songs and drinking the _King's_ Health after soe recentlie hearing his M. soe continuallie spoken agaynst. Also, to see a Lad of _Robin's_ Age, coming in and out at his Will, doing aniething or nothing; instead of being ever at his Taskes, and looking at Meal-times as if he were repeating them to himselfe. I know which I like best.