* *

_Tuesday._--Well, Mr. Hampson dined here, and all
that. I was very tired of _Artaxerxes_, highly
amused with the farce, and, in an inferior way,
with the pantomime that followed. Mr. J. Plumptre
joined in the latter part of the evening, walked
home with us, ate some soup, and is very earnest
for our going to Covent Garden again to-night to
see Miss Stephens in the _Farmer's Wife_. He is to
try for a box. I do not particularly wish him to
succeed. I have had enough for the present. Henry
dines to-day with Mr. Spencer.

Wednesday [March 9, 1814].

Well, we went to the play again last night, and as
we were out a great part of the morning too,
shopping, and seeing the Indian jugglers, I am
very glad to be quiet now till dressing time. We
are to dine at the Tilsons', and to-morrow at Mr.
Spencer's.

We had not done breakfast yesterday when Mr. J.
Plumptre appeared to say that he had secured a
box. Henry asked him to dine here, which I fancy
he was very happy to do, and so at five o'clock we
four sat down to table together while the master
of the house was preparing for going out himself.
The _Farmer's Wife_ is a musical thing in three
acts, and, as Edward was steady in not staying for
anything more, we were at home before ten.

Fanny and Mr. J. P. are delighted with Miss
S[tephens], and her merit in singing is, I dare
say, very great; that she gave _me_ no pleasure
is no reflection upon her, nor, I hope, upon
myself, being what Nature made me on that article.
All that I am sensible of in Miss S. is a pleasing
person and no skill in acting. We had Mathews,
Liston, and Emery; of course, some amusement.

Our friends were off before half-past eight this
morning, and had the prospect of a heavy cold
journey before them. I think they both liked their
visit very much. I am sure Fanny did. Henry sees
decided attachment between her and his new
acquaintance.

* * * * *

Henry has finished _Mansfield Park_, and his
approbation