cept Lord Keeper, who did not come this time to
Windsor. I hate these suppers mortally, but I seldom eat anything.

17. Lord Treasurer and Mr. Secretary stay here till tomorrow; some
business keeps them, and I am sorry for it, for they hinder me a day.
Mr. Lewis and I were going to dine soberly with a little Court friend
at one. But Lord Harley and Lord Dupplin kept me by force, and said we
should dine at Lord Treasurer's, who intended to go at four to London. I
stayed like a fool, and went with the two young lords to Lord Treasurer,
who very fairly turned us all three out of doors. They both were invited
to the Duke of Somerset, but he was gone to a horse-race, and would not
come till five; so we were forced to go to a tavern, and sent for wine
from Lord Treasurer's, who at last, we were told, did not go to town
till the morrow, and at Lord Treasurer's we supped again; and I desired
him to let me add four shillings to the bill I gave him. We sat up till
two, yet I must write to little MD.

18. They are all gone early this morning, and I am alone to seek my
fortune; but Dr. Arbuthnot engages me for my dinners; and he yesterday
gave me my choice of place, person, and victuals for to-day. So I chose
to dine with Mrs. Hill, who is one of the dressers, and Mrs. Masham's
sister, no company but us three, and to have a shoulder of mutton, a
small one; which was exactly, only there was too much victuals besides;
and the Doctor's wife(8) was of the company. And to-morrow Mrs. Hill and
I are to dine with the Doctor. I have seen a fellow often about Court
whom I thought I knew. I asked who he was, and they told me it was the
gentleman porter; then I called him to mind; he was Killy's acquaintance
(I won't say yours); I think his name is Lovet,(9) or Lovel, or
something like it. I believe he does not know me, and in my present
posture I shall not be fond of renewing old acquaintance; I believe I
used to see him with the Bradleys; and, by the way, I have not seen Mrs.
Bradley since I came to England. I left your letter in London, like
a fool; and cannot answer it till I go back, which will not be until
Monday next; so this will be above a fortnight from my last; but I will
fetch it up in my next; so go and walk to the Dean's for your health
this fine weather.

19. The Queen designs to have cards and dancing here next week, which
makes us think she will stay here longer than we believed. Mrs. Masham
is not well after her lying-in: