mpton Court: she went on Tuesday in that terrible
rain. I dined with Lewis at his lodgings, to despatch some business we
had. I sent this morning and evening to Lord Treasurer, and he is much
worse by going out; I am in pain about evening. He has sent for Dr.
Radcliffe; pray God preserve him. The Chancellor of the Exchequer(4)
showed me to-day a ballad(5) in manuscript against Lord Treasurer and
his South Sea project; it is very sharply written: if it be not
printed, I will send it you. If it be, it shall go in your packet of
pamphlets.--I found out your letter about directions for the apron, and
have ordered to be bought a cheap green silk work apron; I have it by
heart. I sat this evening with Mrs. Barton, who is my near neighbour. It
was a delicious day, and I got my walk, and was thinking whether MD was
walking too just at that time that Presto was. This paper does not
cost me a farthing, I have it from the Secretary's office. I long till
to-morrow to know how my Lord Treasurer sleeps this night, and to hear
he mends: we are all undone without him; so pray for him, sirrahs, and
don't stay too late at the Dean's.

26. I dined with Mrs. Van; for the weather is so bad, and I am so busy,
that I can't dine with great folks: and besides I dare eat but little,
to keep my head in order, which is better. Lord Treasurer is very ill,
but I hope in no danger. We have no quiet with the Whigs, they are so
violent against a peace; but I'll cool them, with a vengeance, very
soon. I have not heard from the Bishop of Clogher, whether he has got
his statues.(6) I writ to him six weeks ago; he's so busy with his
Parliament. I won't answer your letter yet, say what you will, saucy
girls.

27. I forgot to go about some business this morning, which cost me
double the time; and I was forced to be at the Secretary's office till
four, and lose my dinner; so I went to Mrs. Van's, and made them get me
three herrings, which I am very fond of, and they are a light victuals:
besides, I was to have supped at Lady Ashburnham's; but the drab did
not call for us in her coach, as she promised, but sent for us, and so I
sent my excuses. It has been a terrible rainy day, but so flattering in
the morning, that I would needs go out in my new hat. I met Leigh and
Sterne as I was going into the Park. Leigh says he will go to Ireland
in ten days, if he can get Sterne to go with him; so I will send him the
things for MD, and I have desired him to inquire abo