ht, much more than in Kent, and indeed
we found the roads all the way from Staines most
disgracefully dirty. Steventon Lane has its full
share of it, and I don't know when I shall be able
to get to Deane.

* * * * *

My dear _itty Dordy's_ remembrance of me is very
pleasing to me--foolishly pleasing, because I know
it will be over so soon. My attachment to him will
be more durable. I shall think with tenderness and
delight on his beautiful and smiling countenance
and interesting manner until a few years have
turned him into an ungovernable ungracious fellow.

The books from Winton are all unpacked and put
away; the binding has compressed them most
conveniently, and there is now very good room in
the bookcase for all that we wish to have there. I
believe the servants were all very glad to see us.
Nanny was, I am sure. She confesses that it was
very dull, and yet she had her child with her
till last Sunday. I understand that there are some
grapes left, but I believe not many; they must be
gathered as soon as possible, or this rain will
entirely rot them.

Saturday [November 17, 1798].[82]

My mother desires me to tell you that I am a very
good housekeeper, which I have no reluctance in
doing, because I really think it my peculiar
excellence, and for this reason--I always take
care to provide such things as please my own
appetite, which I consider as the chief merit in
housekeeping. I have had some ragout veal, and I
mean to have some haricot mutton to-morrow. We are
to kill a pig soon.

There is to be a ball at Basingstoke next
Thursday. Our assemblies have very kindly declined
ever since we laid down the carriage, so that
dis-convenience and dis-inclination to go have
kept pace together.

* * * * *

_Sunday._--I have just received a note from James
to say that Mary was brought to bed last night, at
eleven o'clock, of a fine little boy,[83] and that
everything is going on very well. My mother had
desired to kn