At parting, Rogers gave me a gold-mounted pair of glasses, which I will not part with in a hurry.  I really like Rogers, and have always found him most friendly.  After many petty delays we set off at last and reached Bushy Grove to dine with my kind and worthy family friend and relative, David Haliburton.  I am delighted to find him in all the enjoyment of life, with the vivacity of youth in his sentiments and enjoyments.  Mr. and Mrs. Campbell Marjoribanks are the only company here, with Miss Parker.

May 27.—­Well, my retreat from London is now accomplished, and I may fairly balance the advantage and loss of this London trip.  It has cost me a good deal of money, and Johnnie’s illness has taken away much of the pleasure I had promised myself.  But if I can judge from the reception I have met with, I have the pleasure to know that I stand as fair with the public, and as high with my personal friends, as in any period of my life.  And this has enabled me to forward the following objects to myself and others:—­

1st.  I have been able to place Lockhart on the right footing in the right quarter, leaving the improvement of his place of vantage to himself as circumstances should occur.

2d.  I have put the Chancery suit in the right train, which without me could not have been done.[216]

3d.  I picked up some knowledge of the state of existing matters, which is interesting and may be useful.

4th.  I have succeeded in helping to get a commission for James Skene.

5th.  I have got two cadetships for the sons of Allan Cunningham.

6th.  I have got leave to Andrew Shortreed to go out to India.

7th.  I have put John Eckford into correspondence with Mr. Loch, who thinks he can do something for his claim.

8th.  I have been of material assistance to poor Terry in his affairs.

9th.  I have effectually protected my Darnick neighbours and myself against the New Road Bill.

Other advantages there are, besides the great one of scouring up one’s own mind a little and renewing intercourse with old friends, bringing one’s-self nearer in short to the currency of the time.

All this may weigh against the expenditure of L200 or L250, when money is fortunately not very scarce with me.

We went out for a most agreeable drive through the Hertfordshire Lanes—­a strange intricate combination of narrow roads passing through the country, winding and turning among oaks and other large timber, just like pathways cut through a forest.  They wind and turn in so singular a manner, and resemble each other so much, that a stranger would have difficulty to make way amongst them.  We visited Moor Park (not the house of Sir William Temple, but that where the Duke and Duchess of Monmouth lived).  Having rather a commanding situation, you look down on the valley, which, being divided into small enclosures bordered with wood, resembles a forest when so looked