24.  Stratford and I, and Pastoral Philips (just come from Denmark) dined at Ford’s to-day, who paid his way, and goes for Ireland on Tuesday.  The Earl of Peterborow is returned from Vienna without one servant:  he left them scattered in several towns of Germany.  I had a letter from him, four days ago, from Hanover, where he desires I would immediately send him an answer to his house at Parson’s Green,[9] about five miles off.  I wondered what he meant, till I heard he was come.  He sent expresses, and got here before them.  He is above fifty, and as active as one of five-and-twenty.  I have not seen him yet, nor know when I shall, or where to find him.

25.  Poor Duke of Shrewsbury has been very ill of a fever:  we were all in a fright about him:  I thank God, he is better.  I dined to-day at Lord Ashburnham’s, with his lady, for he was not at home:  she is a very good girl, and always a great favourite of mine.  Sterne tells me he has desired a friend to receive your box in Chester, and carry it over.  I fear he will miscarry in his business, which was sent to the Treasury before he was recommended; for I was positive only to second his recommendations, and all his other friends failed him.  However, on your account I will do what I can for him to-morrow with the secretary of the Treasury.

26.  We had much company to-day at dinner at Lord Treasurer’s.  Prior never fails:  he is a much better courtier than I; and we expect every day that he will be a Commissioner of the Customs, and that in a short time a great many more will be turned out.  They blame Lord Treasurer for his slowness in turning people out; but I suppose he has his reasons.  They still keep my neighbour Atterbury in suspense about the deanery of Christ Church,[10] which has been above six months vacant, and he is heartily angry.  I reckon you are now preparing for your Wexford expedition; and poor Dingley is full of carking and caring, scolding.  How long will you stay?  Shall I be in Dublin before you return?  Don’t fall and hurt yourselves, nor overturn the coach.  Love one another, and be good girls; and drink Presto’s health in water, Madam Stella; and in good ale, Madam Dingley.

27.  The Secretary appointed me to dine with him to-day, and we were to do a world of business:  he came at four, and brought Prior with him, and had forgot the appointment, and no business was done.  I left him at eight, and went to change my gown at Mrs. Vanhomrigh’s; and there was Sir Andrew Fountaine at ombre with Lady Ashburnham and Lady Frederic Schomberg, and Lady Mary Schomberg,[11] and Lady Betty Butler, and others, talking; and it put me in mind of the Dean and Stoyte, and Walls, and Stella at play, and Dingley and I looking on.  I stayed with them till ten, like a fool.  Lady Ashburnham is something like Stella; so I helped her, and wished her good cards.  It is late, etc.