* * * * *

His Royal Highness Sir Thomas Williams has at
length sailed; the papers say 'on a cruise.' But I
hope they are gone to Cork, or I shall have
written in vain. Give my love to Jane, as she
arrived at Steventon yesterday, I dare say.

* * * * *

Edward and Frank went out yesterday very early in
a couple of shooting jackets, and came home like a
couple of bad shots, for they killed nothing at
all. They are out again to-day, and are not yet
returned. Delightful sport! They are just come
home, Edward with his two brace, Frank with his
two and a half. What amiable young men!

Rowling: Sunday [September 18, 1796].

This morning has been spent in doubt and
deliberation, in forming plans and removing
difficulties, for it ushered in the day with an
event which I had not intended should take place
so soon by a week. Frank has received his
appointment on board the _Captain John Gore_
commanded by the Triton[75] and will therefore be
obliged to be in town on Wednesday; and though I
have every disposition in the world to accompany
him on that day, I cannot go on the uncertainty of
the Pearsons being at home, as I should not have a
place to go to in case they were from home.

My father will be so good as to fetch home his
prodigal daughter from town, I hope, unless he
wishes me to walk the hospitals, enter at the
Temple, or mount guard at St. James'. It will
hardly be in Frank's power to take me home--nay,
it certainly will not. I shall write again as soon
as I get to Greenwich.

* * * * *

I am very glad that the idea of returning with
Frank occurred to me; for as to Henry's coming
into Kent again, the time of its taking place is
so very uncertain that I should be waiting for
_dead men's shoes_. I had once determined to go
with Frank to-morrow and take my chance, &c., but
they dissuaded me from so rash a step, as I really
think on consideration it would have been; for if
the Pearsons were not at home, I