We are alle mightie glad that _Rupert Allington_ hath at lengthe zealouslie embraced the Studdy of the Law. 'Twas much to be feared at the Firste there was noe Application in him, and though we alle pitied him when _Father_ first broughte him Home, a pillaged, portionlesse Client, with none other to espouse his Rightes, yet 'twas a Pitie soone allied with Contempt when we founde how emptie he was, caring for nought but Archerie and Skittles and the Popinjaye out o' the House, and Dicing and Tables within, which _Father_ would on noe Excuse permitt. Soe he had to conform, ruefullie enow, and hung piteouslie on Hand for awhile. I mind me of _Bess's_ saying, about _Christmasse_, "Heaven send us open Weather while _Allington_ is here; I don't believe he is one that will bear shutting up." Howbeit, he seemed to incline towards _Daisy_, who is handsome enow, and cannot be hindered of Two-hundred Pounds, and soe he kept within Bounds, and when _Father_ got him his Cause he was mightilie thankfulle, and woulde have left us out of Hand, but _Father_ persuaded him to let his Estate recover itself, and turn the mean Time to Profitt, and, in short, soe wrought on him, that he hath now become a Student in righte earneste. _22nd._ Soe we are going to lose not only Mr. _Clement_, but Mr. _Gunnel_! How sorrie we alle are! It seemeth he hath long been debating for and agaynst the Church, and at length finds his Mind soe stronglie set towards it, as he can keep out of it noe longer. Well! we shall lose a good Master, and the Church will gayn a good Servant. _Drew_ will supplie his Place, that is, according to his beste, but our worthy Welshman careth soe little for young People, and is soe abstract from the World about him, that we shall oft feel our Loss. _Father_ hath promised _Gonellus_ his Interest with the _Cardinall_. I fell into Disgrace for holding Speech with _Mercy_ over the Pales, but she is confident there is noe Danger; the Sick are doing well, and none of the Whole have fallen sick. She sayth _Gammer Gurney_ is as tender of her as if she were her Daughter, and will let her doe noe vile or paynfull Office, soe as she hath little to doe but read and pray for the poor Souls, and feed 'em with savourie Messes, and they are alle so harmonious and full of Cheer, as to be like Birds in a Nest. _Mercy_ deserves theire Blessings more than I. Were I a free Agent, she should not be alone now, and I hope ne'er to be withheld therefrom agayn. [Illustration: "I fell into disgrace for holding Speech with Mercy over the Pales."] _30th._