all accept Gilbert, and one well-known man told me
he was the biggest man present. Anyhow there was the feeling of
brotherhood and fellowship in the wielding of "the lovely and
loathely pen" (J. M. Barrie's speech).

May 12th. Went to see Max Beerbohm's caricature of Gilbert at the
Carfax Gallery. "G.K.C.--humanist--kissing the World." It's more like
Thackeray, very funny though.

June 9th. A political "at home" at Mrs. Sidney Webb's--saw Winston
Churchill and Lloyd George. Politics and nothing but politics is dull
work though, and an intriguer's life must be a pretty poor affair.
Mrs. Sidney Webb looked very handsome and moved among her guests as
one to the manner born. I like Mrs. Leonard Courtenay who is always
kind to me. Charlie Masterman and I had a long talk on the iniquities
of the "Daily News" and goodness knows they are serious enough.

June 22nd. An "at home" at Mrs. ----'s proved rather a dull affair
save for a nice little conversation with Watts Dunton. His walrusy
appearance which makes the bottom of his face look fierce, is
counteracted by the kindness of his little eyes. He told us the inner
story of Whistler's "Peacock Room" which scarcely redounds to
Whistler's credit. The Duchess of Sutherland was there and many
notabilities. Between ourselves Mr. ---- is a good-hearted snob. His
wife nice, intelligent, but affected (I suppose unconsciously). I
don't really like the "precious people." They worry me.

June 30th. Graham Robertson's "at home" was exceedingly select. I
felt rather too uncultivated to talk much. Mr. Lane tucked his arm
into mine and requested to know the news which means, "tell me all
your husband is doing, or going to do, how much is he getting, who
will publish for him, has he sold his American rights, etc." Cobden's
three daughters looked out of place, so solid and sincere are they.
It was all too grand. No man ought to have so much wealth.

July 5th. Gilbert went today to see Swinburne--I think he found it
rather hard to reconcile the idea with the man, but he was
interested, though I could not gather much about the visit. He was
amused at the compliments which Watts Dunton and Swinburne pay to
each other unceasingly.

December 8th. George Alexander has an idea that he wants Gilbert to
write a play for him, and sent for him to come and see him. He was
apparently taken wi