her part very nicely. John
Mason is rather vulgar and 'prentice-like for Francis, that mirror
of chivalry. After rehearsal I went to Devy, to consult about my
dress. I have got a picture of the very woman, Louisa of Savoy,
queen-mother of France, and, short of absolute hideousness, I will
make myself as like her as I can....

Arthur Hallam dined with us. I am not sure that I do not like him
the best of all John's friends. Besides being so clever, he is so
gentle, charming, and winning. At half-past ten went to Mrs.
Norton's. My father, who had received a summons from the Court of
Chancery, did not come.... It was a very fine, and rather dull,
party.... Mrs. Norton looks as if she were made of precious stones,
diamonds, emeralds, rubies, sapphires; she is radiant with beauty.
And so, in a different way, is that vision of a sister of hers
(Georgiana Sheridan, Lady St. Maur, Duchess of Somerset, and Queen
of Beauty), with her waxen, round, white arms, and eyes streaming
with soft brilliancy, like fountains by moonlight. To look at two
such creatures for an hour is enough to make the world brighter for
several hours.

_Thursday, 24th._--At eleven went to rehearsal. While we were
rehearsing Mr. Bartley came and told me that the play, "Francis
I.," would not be done for a fortnight, and afterward my father
told me he did not think it was right, or fitting, or doing me
justice to bring out my play without some little attention to
scenery, decorations, etc. I entreated him to go to no expense for
it, for I am sure it will not repay them. Moreover, they have given
their scenery, and finery, and dressing, and decoration, and
spectacle in such profusion to "Robert the Devil" that I am sure
they cannot afford a heavy outlay upon anything else just now.
However, I could not prevail, and probably the real reason for
putting off "Francis I." is the expediency of running the new opera
as long as it will draw before bringing out anything else, which,
of course, is good policy....

_Wednesday, 29th._--H---- has gone to York. What a disappointment!
After all, it's only one more added to the budget. Yet why do I say
that? One scores one's losses, and takes no reckoning of one's
gains, which is neither right nor fair to one's life....

I rode with Henry,