en to "Hernani," which I am certainly bound
to like, for it is highly complimentary to me.

I went to the real theater in the evening to do real work. The
house was good, but I played like a wretch--ranted, roared, and
acted altogether infamously. The fact was I was tired to death, and
of course violence always has to supply the place of strength.
Unluckily all the F----s were there, and I felt sorry for them. To
be sure, they had never seen "The Hunchback" before, and I should
think would heartily desire never to see it again; my performance
was shameful.

_Thursday, June 2d._--Mr. Hayter called. Lord Francis has spoken to
him about the picture he wishes him to do of me, and he came to
take the position, and I gave him his choice of three or four. I
dare say he will make a very pretty picture. As for my likeness,
that _I_ am not hopeful about. I have gone through the operation in
vain so very often. Murray has sent me some beautiful and
delightful books.... A third representation of "Hernani" is called
for, it seems, and, as far as I am concerned, they are welcome to
it; but Lady Francis came to say that the Duchess of Gloucester
wants it to be acted on the 23d, and I am afraid that will not do
for my theater arrangements; they must try and have it earlier, if
possible. Lady Francis has half bribed me with a ball. They want us
to go down to Oatlands for Saturday and Sunday, and I hope we may
be able to manage it.... After Lady F---- was gone, my mother had a
visit from Mrs. B----; her manner is bad, her matter is good. She
is clever and excellent, and I have a great respect for her. She
interested me immensely by her account of Mrs. Fry's visits to
Newgate. What a blessed, happy woman to do so much good; to be the
means of comfort and consolation, perhaps of salvation, to such
desolate souls! How I did honor and love what I heard of her. Mrs.
B---- said Mrs. Fry would be delighted to take me with her some day
when she went to the prison. My mother laughingly said she was
afraid Mrs. Fry would convert me--surely not to Quakerism. I do not
think I need a new faith, but power to act up to the one I profess.
I need no Quaker saint to tell me I do not do that.

[I had the great honor of accompanying Mrs. Fry in one of her visits to
Newgate, but from vario