le book on the
sacrament, which went over the ground of my late discussion with
Mrs. Montagu and Mrs. Procter on the subject of "preparation" for
taking it.

After lunch there was a general preparation for riding, and just as
we were all mounted it began to rain, and persevered till, in
despair, Mr. and Mrs. Sullivan rode off without our promised
escort. Mr. C---- arrived just as we had disequipped, and the
gentlemen all dispersed. Lady Francis and I sang together for some
time, and suddenly the clouds withholding their tears, she and I,
in one of those instants of rapid determination which sometimes
make or mar a fate, tore on our habits again, jumped on our horses,
and galloped off together over the park. We had an enchanting,
gray, soft afternoon, with now and then a rain-drop and sigh of
wind, like the last sob of a fit of crying. The earth smelt
deliriously fresh, and shone one glittering, sparkling, vivid
green. Our ride was delightful, and we galloped back just in time
to dress for dinner.

In the evening, sauntering on the lawn and pleasant, bright talk
indoors. Lord John (the present venerable Earl Russell) would be
quite charming if he wasn't so afraid of the rain. I do not think
he is made of sugar, but, politically, perhaps he is the salt of
the earth; he certainly succeeds in keeping himself _dry_.

_Friday, Oatlands._--Walked out before breakfast; the night's rain
had refreshed the earth and revived every growing thing, the east
wind had blown itself away, and a warm, delicious western breeze
came fluttering fitfully over the new-mown lawn. After breakfast we
rehearsed Mr. Craven's and Captain Shelley's and my scenes in
"Hernani." I think they will do very well if they do not shy at the
moment of action, or rather acting. We had some music, and then the
gentlemen went out shooting. I took "The Abbot" and established
myself on a hay-cock, leaving Lady Francis to her own indoor
devices. By and by the whole party came out, and we sat on the lawn
laughing and talking till the gentlemen's carriage was announced,
and our rival heroes took their departure for town, cheek by jowl,
in a pretty equipage of Mr. Craven's, in the most amicable mood
imaginable. As soon as they were off we mounted and rode out, past
our old cottage, dow