inned our
house; but I suspect "Katharine of Cleves" has nearly lived her
life. Driving to the theater, my father told me that they had
entirely altered the cast of "Francis I." from what I had
appointed, and determined to finish the play with the fourth act. I
felt myself get very red, but I didn't speak, though I cannot but
think an author has a right to say whether he or she will have
certain alterations made in their work. My position is a difficult
one, for did I not feel bound to comply with my father's wishes I
would have no hand in this experiment. I would forfeit fifty--nay,
a hundred--pounds willingly rather than act in this play, which I
am convinced ought not to be acted at all. Any other person might
do this, but with me it is a question of home duty, instead of a
mere matter of business between author, actress, and manager. They
couldn't act the play without me, and but for my father I should
from the first have refused to act in it at all. I do not think
that they manage wisely; it is a mere snatch at a bit of profit by
a way of catchpenny venture, to secure which they are running the
risk of injuring me more ways than one, and through me their own
interests. It seems to me shortsighted policy, but I cannot help
myself. After the play came home to supper, and at eleven went to
Lady Dacre's. Sidney Smith, Rogers. Conversation sharp. Lots of
people that I knew, in spite of which, in consequence, I suppose,
of my own state of spirits, I did not enjoy myself. Mrs. Norton was
there; she sang "My Arab Steed," and "Yes, Aunt," and "Joe Hardy;"
the latter I do not think very good. They made me sing; I was
horribly frightened. Julian Young was there; his manner and
appearance are not very good, but his voice is beautiful and he
sang very well.

_Sunday, 5th._-- ... When I came back from church I found Campbell
with my mother, scraping up information about Mrs. Siddons for his
and her "life." I left him with her, and when I came back he was
gone, and in his place, as if he had turned into her, sat Mrs.
Fitzgerald in a green velvet gown trimmed with sables, which
excited my admiration and envy. I should like to have been living
in the days and countries where persons, as a mark of favor, took
off their dress and threw it on your shoulders.