n
well. Thence with my wife abroad, and left her at Tom's, while I abroad
about several businesses and so back to her, myself being vexed to find
at my first coming Tom abroad, and all his books, papers, and bills
loose upon the open table in the parlour, and he abroad, which I ranted
at him for when he came in. Then by coach home, calling at my cozen
Scott's, who (she) lies dying, they say, upon a miscarriage. My wife
could not be admitted to see her, nor anybody. At home to the office
late writing letters, and then home to supper and to bed. Father
Fogourdy confirms to me the newes that for certain there is peace
between the Pope and King of France.

7th (Lord's day). Up and to church, and thence home, my wife being ill
... kept her bed all day, and I up and dined by her bedside, and then
all the afternoon till late at night writing some letters of business
to my father stating of matters to him in general of great import, and
other letters to ease my mind in the week days that I have not time
to think of, and so up to my wife, and with great mirth read Sir W.
Davenant's two speeches in dispraise of London and Paris, by way of
reproach one to another, and so to prayers and to bed.

8th. Up, and by coach called upon Mr. Phillips, and after a little talk
with him away to my Lord Sandwich's, but he being gone abroad, I staid a
little and talked with Mr. Howe, and so to Westminster in term time,
and there met Mr. Pierce, who told me largely how the King still do doat
upon his women, even beyond all shame; and that the good Queen will of
herself stop before she goes sometimes into her dressing-room, till
she knows whether the King be there, for fear he should be, as she hath
sometimes taken him, with Mrs. Stewart; and that some of the best parts
of the Queen's joynture are, contrary to faith, and against the opinion
of my Lord Treasurer and his Council, bestowed or rented, I know not
how, to my Lord Fitz-Harding and Mrs. Stewart, and others of that crew
that the King do doat infinitely upon the Duke of Monmouth, apparently
as one that he intends to have succeed him. God knows what will be the
end of it! After he was gone I went and talked with Mrs. Lane about
persuading her to Hawly, and think she will come on, which I wish were
done, and so to Mr. Howlett and his wife, and talked about the same, and
they are mightily for it, and I bid them promote it, for I think it will
be for both their goods and my content. But I was