his son and son-in-law, that is to say, Lord Harley and Lord Dupplin, and Lord Rivers and I. The Dean of Rochester[14] christened the child, but soon went away.  Lord Treasurer and Lord Rivers were godfathers; and Mrs. Hill,[15] Mrs. Masham’s sister, godmother.  The child roared like a bull, and I gave Mrs. Masham joy of it; and she charged me to take care of my nephew, because, Mr. Masham being a brother of our Society, his son, you know, is consequently a nephew.  Mrs. Masham sat up dressed in bed, but not, as they do in Ireland, with all smooth about her, as if she was cut off in the middle; for you might see the counterpane (what d’ye call it?) rise about her hips and body.  There is another name of the counterpane; and you will laugh now, sirrahs.  George Granville came in at supper, and we stayed till eleven; and Lord Treasurer set me down at my lodging in Suffolk Street.  Did I ever tell you that Lord Treasurer hears ill with the left ear, just as I do?  He always turns the right, and his servants whisper him at that only.  I dare not tell him that I am so too, for fear he should think I counterfeited, to make my court.

6.  You must read this before the other; for I mistook, and forgot to write yesterday’s journal, it was so insignificant.  I dined with Dr. Cockburn, and sat the evening with Lord Treasurer till ten o’clock.  On Thursdays he has always a large select company, and expects me.  So good-night for last night, etc.

8.  Morning.  I go to Windsor with Lord Treasurer to-day, and will leave this behind me, to be sent to the post.  And now let us hear what says the first letter, N.19.  You are still at Wexford, as you say, Madam Dingley.  I think no letter from me ever yet miscarried.  And so Inish-Corthy,[16] and the river Slainy; fine words those in a lady’s mouth.  Your hand like Dingley’s, you scambling,[17] scattering sluttikin!  Yes, mighty like indeed, is not it?[18] Pisshh, do not talk of writing or reading till your eyes are well, and long well; only I would have Dingley read sometimes to you, that you may not lose the desire of it.  God be thanked, that the ugly numbing is gone!  Pray use exercise when you go to town.  What game is that ombra which Dr. Elwood[19] and you play at? is it the Spanish game ombre?  Your card-purse? you a card-purse! you a fiddlestick.  You have luck indeed; and luck in a bag.  What a devil! is that eight-shilling tea-kettle copper, or tin japanned?  It is like your Irish politeness, raffling for tea-kettles.  What a splutter you keep, to convince me that Walls has no taste!  My head continues pretty well.  Why do you write, dear sirrah Stella, when you find your eyes so weak that you cannot see? what comfort is there in reading what you write, when one knows that?  So Dingley cannot write, because of the clutter of new company come to Wexford!  I suppose the noise of their hundred horses disturbs you; or