st when I did, and stay ten
days, just as I did, saucy monkeys? But I never rode; I had no horses,
and our coach was out of order, and we went and came in a hired one. Do
you keep your lodgings when you go to Wexford? I suppose you do; for you
will hardly stay above two months. I have been walking about our town
to-night, and it is a very scurvy place for walking. I am thinking to
leave it, and return to town, now the Irish folks are gone. Ford goes
in three days. How does Dingley divert herself while Stella is riding?
work, or read, or walk? Does Dingley ever read to you? Had you ever a
book with you in the country? Is all that left off? Confess. Well, I'll
go sleep; 'tis past eleven, and I go early to sleep: I write nothing at
night but to MD.

24. Stratford and I, and Pastoral Philips (just come from Denmark) dined
at Ford's to-day, who paid his way, and goes for Ireland on Tuesday. The
Earl of Peterborow is returned from Vienna without one servant: he left
them scattered in several towns of Germany. I had a letter from him,
four days ago, from Hanover, where he desires I would immediately send
him an answer to his house at Parson's Green,(9) about five miles off. I
wondered what he meant, till I heard he was come. He sent expresses,
and got here before them. He is above fifty, and as active as one of
five-and-twenty. I have not seen him yet, nor know when I shall, or
where to find him.

25. Poor Duke of Shrewsbury has been very ill of a fever: we were all
in a fright about him: I thank God, he is better. I dined to-day at Lord
Ashburnham's, with his lady, for he was not at home: she is a very
good girl, and always a great favourite of mine. Sterne tells me he has
desired a friend to receive your box in Chester, and carry it over. I
fear he will miscarry in his business, which was sent to the Treasury
before he was recommended; for I was positive only to second his
recommendations, and all his other friends failed him. However, on your
account I will do what I can for him to-morrow with the secretary of the
Treasury.

26. We had much company to-day at dinner at Lord Treasurer's. Prior
never fails: he is a much better courtier than I; and we expect every
day that he will be a Commissioner of the Customs, and that in a short
time a great many more will be turned out. They blame Lord Treasurer for
his slowness in turning people out; but I suppose he has his reasons.
They still keep my neighbour Atterbury in suspense