ow the
Duchess of Richmond do; and word was brought him that she is pretty
well, but mighty full of the smallpox, by which all do conclude she will
be wholly spoiled, which is the greatest instance of the uncertainty of
beauty that could be in this age; but then she hath had the benefit of
it to be first married, and to have kept it so long, under the greatest
temptations in the world from a King, and yet without the least
imputation. This afternoon, at the play, Sir Fr. Hollis spoke to me as
a secret, and matter of confidence in me, and friendship to Sir W. Pen,
who is now out of town, that it were well he were made acquainted that
he finds in the House of Commons, which met this day, several motions
made for the calling strictly again upon the Miscarriages, and
particularly in the business of the Prises, and the not prosecuting of
the first victory, only to give an affront to Sir W. Pen, whose going to
sea this year do give them matter of great dislike. So though I do not
much trouble myself for him, yet I am sorry that he should have this
fall so unhappily without any fault, but rather merit of his own that
made him fitter for this command than any body else, and the more for
that this business of his may haply occasion their more eager pursuit
against the whole body of the office.

27th. Up, and walked to the waterside, and thence to White Hall to the
Duke of York's chamber, where he being ready he went to a Committee
of Tangier, where I first understand that my Lord Sandwich is, in his
coming back from Spayne, to step over thither, to see in what condition
the place is, which I am glad of, hoping that he will be able to do some
good there, for the good of the place, which is so much out of order.
Thence to walk a little in Westminster Hall, where the Parliament I find
sitting, but spoke with nobody to let me know what they are doing, nor
did I enquire. Thence to the Swan and drank, and did baiser Frank, and
so down by water back again, and to the Exchange a turn or two, only to
show myself, and then home to dinner, where my wife and I had a small
squabble, but I first this day tried the effect of my silence and not
provoking her when she is in an ill humour, and do find it very good,
for it prevents its coming to that height on both sides which used to
exceed what was fit between us. So she become calm by and by and fond,
and so took coach, and she to the mercer's to buy some lace, while I
to White Hall, but did no