s, back to the
country. This evening was fair, and I walked a little in the Park, till
Prior made me go with him to the Smyrna Coffee-house, where I sat
a while, and saw four or five Irish persons, who are very handsome,
genteel fellows; but I know not their names. I came away at seven, and
got home. Two days ago I writ to Bernage, and told him what I had
done, and directed the letter to Mr. Curry's, to be left with Dingley.
Brigadiers Hill and Masham, brother and husband to Mrs. Masham, the
Queen's favourite, Colonel Disney,(20) and I, have recommended Bernage
to the Duke of Argyle; and Secretary St. John has given the Duke
my memorial; and, besides, Hill tells me, that Bernage's colonel,
Fielding,(21) designs to make him his captain-lieutenant: but I believe
I said this to you before, and in this letter; but I will not look.

20. Morning. It snows terribly again; and 'tis mistaken, for I now want
a little good weather. I bid you good-morrow; and, if it clear up, get
you gone to poor Mrs. Walls, who has had a hard time of it, but is now
pretty well again. I am sorry it is a girl: the poor Archdeacon too, see
how simply he looked when they told him: what did it cost Stella to be
gossip? I'll rise; so, d'ye hear, let me see you at night; and do not
stay late out, and catch cold, sirrahs.--At night. It grew good weather,
and I got a good walk, and dined with Ford upon his Opera-day; but, now
all his wine is gone, I shall dine with him no more. I hope to send
this letter before I hear from MD, methinks there is--something great in
doing so, only I can't express where it lies; and, faith, this shall go
by Saturday, as sure as you're a rogue. Mrs. Edgworth was to set out but
last Monday; so you won't have your box so soon perhaps as this letter;
but Sterne told me since that it is safe at Chester, and that she will
take care of it. I'd give a guinea you had it.

21. Morning. Faith, I hope it will be fair for me to walk into the City;
for I take all occasions of walking.--I should be plaguy busy at Laracor
if I were there now, cutting down willows, planting others, scouring my
canal, and every kind of thing. If Raymond goes over this summer, you
must submit, and make them a visit, that we may have another eel and
trout fishing; and that Stella may ride by, and see Presto in his
morning-gown in the garden, and so go up with Joe to the Hill of Bree,
and round by Scurlock's Town. O Lord, how I remember names! faith,
it gives me