and the
British Gallery,[217] and I had some amusement at
each, though my preference for men and women
always inclines me to attend more to the company
than the sight.

* * * * *

I did not see Theo.[218] till late on Tuesday; he
was gone to Ilford, but he came back in time to
show his usual nothing-meaning, harmless,
heartless civility. Henry, who had been confined
the whole day to the bank, took me in his way
home, and, after putting life and wit into the
party for a quarter of an hour, put himself and
his sister into a hackney coach.

* * * * *

Eliza is walking out by herself. She has plenty of
business on her hands just now, for the day of the
party is settled, and drawing near. Above 80
people are invited for next Tuesday evening, and
there is to be some very good music--five
professionals, three of them glee singers, besides
amateurs. Fanny will listen to this. One of the
hirelings is a Capital on the harp, from which I
expect great pleasure. The foundation of the party
was a dinner to Henry Egerton and Henry
Walter,[219] but the latter leaves town the day
before. I am sorry, as I wished _her_ prejudice to
be done away, but should have been more sorry if
there had been no invitation.

I am a wretch, to be so occupied with all these
things as to seem to have no thoughts to give to
people and circumstances which really supply a far
more lasting interest--the society in which you
are; but I do think of you all, I assure you, and
want to know all about everybody, and especially
about your visit to the W. Friars[220]; 'mais le
moyen' not to be occupied by one's own concerns?

_Saturday._--Frank is superseded in the
_Caledonia_. Henry brought us this news yesterday
from Mr. Daysh, and he heard at the same time that
Charles may be in England in the course of a
month. Sir Edward Pollen succeeds Lord Gambier in
his command, and some captain of his succeeds
Frank; and I believe the order is already gone
out. Henry means to enquire farthe