Mr. W. is about five-or six-and-twenty, not
ill-looking, and not agreeable. He is certainly no
addition. A sort of cool, gentlemanlike manner,
but very silent. They say his name is Henry, a
proof how unequally the gifts of fortune are
bestowed. I have seen many a John and Thomas much
more agreeable.

* * * * *

We did not go to the ball.[270] It was left to her
to decide, and at last she determined against it.
She knew that it would be a sacrifice on the part
of her father and brothers if they went, and I
hope it will prove that _she_ has not sacrificed
much. It is not likely that there should have been
anybody there whom she would care for. _I_ was
very glad to be spared the trouble of dressing and
going, and being weary before it was half over,
so my gown and my cap are still unworn. It will
appear at last, perhaps, that I might have done
without either. I produced my brown bombazine
yesterday, and it was very much admired indeed,
and I like it better than ever.

* * * * *

The comfort of the billiard-table here is very
great; it draws all the gentlemen to it whenever
they are within, especially after dinner, so that
my brother, Fanny, and I have the library to
ourselves in delightful quiet.

* * * * *

_Friday._--They[271] came last night at about
seven. We had given them up, but _I still_
expected them to come. Dessert was nearly over; a
better time for arriving than an hour and a half
earlier. They were late because they did not set
out earlier, and did not allow time enough.
Charles did not _aim_ at more than reaching
Sittingbourne by three, which could not have
brought them here by dinner time. They had a very
rough passage; he would not have ventured if he
had known how bad it would be.

* * * * *

However, here they are, safe and well, just like
their own nice selves, Fanny looking as neat and
white this morning as possible, and dear Charles
all affectionate, placid, quiet, ch