watched the Dart from the turret till she was nearly out of sight. When shall we see poor Joey again?

Friday 12^th – Finished New York & Quebec an absurd novel and covered a signal. Practised and read to Mama and Bella till dinner and to myself after. Out shopping with Mama in the afternoon and up to the Lowes with Papa walking whither we were presently joined by Mama on the pony. Mr Lowe was drinking tea with the Leacocks but appeared at 10. A nice evening of course. Mr Lowe did not scold me at all and lent me a book on astronomy. Mrs Lowe a little for not understanding the 1st chapter of Genesis reached home after 11.

Saturday 13^th – Helped Mama cut out. Read Dr Ross and practised on my machete  till dinner. After dinner more cutting out. At about six Bella and I went to call on the Wallases who made us stay to tea after which we sat on Mary’s bed and talked on very interesting subjects. Came home about 11 o‘clock and found that Capitão Vicente and Jacinto had been drinking tea.

Sunday 14^th – Mr Lowe read prayers and preached a rather unintelligible sermon on baptism. Mr Picken walked home with us and dined. At 5 Mama sent him away and went with Papa up to the Mount. Bella went to bed and I lying down with her we both fell asleep and did not wake till 8 o’clock when we had tea and went to bed again.

Monday 15^th – Cut out before breakfast. Read a number of Michael Armonstrong and the Athenian Captive. Wrote German etc. Bella in bed all day. Finished Major Mitchells Expeditions and read Talfourds Athenian Captive.  (“Cut out” probably refers to cutting the fabric for making some clothes.)

Tuesday 16^th – Rose at 5. Off at 6 and at Mount before 8, reading St. Leon on the way. Clara being transferred to Julia Hayward I take possession of Charley who is henceforward, for some time at least, to be my pupil. Mama rode to town. Wrote German and finished St Leon in the hayfield and learnt my lessons after tea.

Wednesday 17^th – Dr Lippold breakfasted with us and gave us our lessons. Practised and wrote etc. taught Charley after dinner. Went into the garden to read the Architecture of the Heavens. M.L. Oliveira called and stayed some time. Finished the Architecture at half past 11. It is a beautiful book but I doubt the truth of its theory that all stars our own earth included, were once floating nebulae and that the planets were thrown off by the sun. Wrote to Bella and Dr Lippold before I went to bed.

Thursday 18^th – Passed the day as I should like more or less to pass all days I am up here. Charley, practising and German before dinner, walking and reading after.

Friday 19^th – Misty and rainy so that I was obliged to remain in the house. Otherwise did just the same as yesterday. Jacinto called in the afternoon and stayed to tea. He brought us German books and made us Dictee Portuguese.

Saturday 20^th – Read an hour before breakfast. Then ditto as yesterday. Finished Combes Constitution of Man which I did not find so bad as I expected. Some parts I liked very much. The others are dreadfully material. Sat down to read Charles 5^th but Julia scolding me for an hour I did not get beyond the 1^st page. At 6 Fanny and I set off walking and reached the city of Funchal without accident or adventure. We were all rather tiredish and went to bed early.

Sunday 21^st – An unhappy little boy cross-examined and convicted of having stolen sundry dollars and smaller coin from Mama’s drawers and ours, on which he was sentenced to be flogged by his father which was accordingly done. Mr Wynter read prayers and Mr Lowe preached a very good sermon about the prophet who was beguiled from his way, showing that hidden temptations are not so easily resisted as open ones and then something about baptism at the end, which I did not exactly understand. The Packet came in and brought letters from Mr Heartley etc. Mama, Papa and Fanny went up to the Mount and Bella and I quietly read the remainder of the day. I finished Southey’s Book of the Church.

Monday 22^nd – Up at 5 off before 6 walking as on the preceding Monday, and waiting at 8 0’ clock for the people to come to prayers. Charley and practising and finishing the Widow Barnaby an excellent good novel of which I had read more than a little coming up. Wrote some German and then to see the bees hived by which we were all stung. Wrote German etc. in my room after tea and in bed about 11. Headache all day. I don’t think walking up agrees with me.

Tuesday 23^rd – Mrs Leacock came to breakfast at 9 o’clock. Mama entertained her so I did as usual. After dinner we all went and worked at the Mirante and Mrs L. soon after went to Mrs Gordon. Jacinto called and stayed some time. Mr L. came to fetch his wife and Papa and Bella came to tea and the L’s went away. A very slow day.

days. Eliza and I sat in the moonlight till 8 o’clock when Papa came to tea. I read some of Girmirl und Liner but they made such a noise that I was obliged to give it up in despair and to go to bed.

Thursday 25^th – Charley, German and practising as usual. Bella and Sophy reading and sketching in the garden. The second day of leste  and dreadfully hot. Mama, Papa and Sophia went about 4 to dine at the Gordons. Bella Eliza and I followed at 7 to tea. The people had just done dinner, having most of them spent the day there, and together with some who came in the evening were about ? in number. It was delicious moonlight but Mrs Gordon was afraid of being in the open air so we danced indoors at which we rather grumbled at first but we spent such a very nice evening that we afterwards hardly regretted it. I danced with the two Luiz D’ Ornellas who were very agreeable and with a Judge whose name I forget and who being perfectly drunk was very disagreeable. I walked with Jacinto when we came away so that I had no occasion to talk a word of English all the time except to Mr Ross who talked a little Phrenology but did not give me much information on the subject. We came away at 11 so that three quadrilles and two waltzes was rather quick and everyone was very happy.

Friday 26^th – Began bathing in the tank before breakfast. As usual Papa went down to town and sent up word for Sophia to go immediately as her mother wanted her so she went. Read and Germanised in the afternoon in the house as the leste still makes it impossible to go out with much comfort.

Saturday 27^th – Leste gone. Elisabeth went to town and breakfasted with the Wallases on the way. Practised etc. as usual and walked in the woods and read with Elisa. Papa came up to tea.

Sunday 28^th – Only Harriet went to town. Read Erskines Internal Evidence before and after prayers. The Florence came in and brought Mr Hinton. Bella came up in the afternoon with letters. None for us. We read them till time to go to bed. The news is that Kitty is grown a most charming young lady. That Mama Evans is ill but it is hoped nothing serious and that Fanny Tom is in love with a poor man so cant marry.

Monday 29^th – M.L. Oliveira came to breakfast and spent the day. Papa went down and I learnt my German lessons before breakfast. Practised and German. Sat on the wall to see the people pass up and read till tea time. After tea we discussed the Mount day party and made envelopes.

Tuesday 30^th – Wasted the whole afternoon in a vain endeavour to understand or be interested in Sir John Herschels astronomy. At last shutting up the book in despair I came to the house and found that they were all gone up the Quinta with Jacinto and Jose Joacquim Bernes who were come to drink tea. I joined them and Eliza and I had a narrow escape from tumbling down a precipice, we were sitting on a bench at the edge of it which gave way, but she fortunately caught hold of a branch and I of her arm. Papa walked up and after tea they made us talk German very much and the children sung. Then they departed.

Wednesday 31^st – Dr Lippold breakfasted and gave us our lesson. Read Mr, Gillespies antidote to Mr Combes poison and felt that it did me some little good. Mary Wallas sent the 16 number of Nicholas which we had the felicity of reading after tea aloud. She, M.W. says Mr Hinton is very well.

Thursday August 1^st – Morning as usual. Mrs Wynter called and was very melancholy but stayed a long time. M.L.O. also called.

Friday 2^nd – Charles Hayward called, and Azevedo while we were sitting in Bella’s garden. I had asked him to come when I last saw him but only as a facon de parler  and was so astonished to see him that I did not speak to him till we had walked to the Mirante when we sat down and he was rather amusing. Miss Oliveira called to decline for Mount Day, also Mr Shortridge thinking Papa had asked him to dine up here. Finding his mistake he immediately returned to town, went to Carmo and found at half past 7, Papa the two Mr Blackall’s, Dr Oliveira and Silva just seated. They had a very pleasant party and at 12 o ‘clock Papa mounted his horse and rode up here.

Saturday 3^rd – As I was sitting at breakfast thinking of nothing I felt something poked in to my head and something put on my neck, so I looked, and the thing in my head was most elegant silver flower from Papa and Mama and the thing on my neck was a collar which Bella has worked for me without my having the smallest suspicion. They kept my birthday today that my attention might not be distracted tomorrow. Mr E. Blackall called P.D.A and was rather agreeable. Bella and I walked down in the afternoon and were about 2 hours performing the journey the heat being rather intense. We called on the Wallases but only saw Mrs W, Mary and Jane being gone to Camacha  to pay visits and Marion and Mr Hinton to meet them. We met Robert Temple on the river side and he walked home with us, but we had the incivility not to ask him to tea. It was dreadfully hot so we went to bed directly after tea.

Sunday 4^th – This day 17 years ago I was born. I was not at all unhappy this birthday although I was crying all day. Mama came down and brought me Six Months in a Convent. Mr Lowe preached rather a strange sermon all about the church, on Let your light so shine etc. Bella and I walked home from Church as usual with Mary Wallas, but accompanied by Mr Hinton. They were so nice and so fond of one another. Tomorrow they are going to have a tete a tete ride to Campanário and back again and on Tuesday Mary is coming here. I finished Erskines Internal Evidence which is a very nice book, but I think rather hard. In the evening I rode up to the Mount, calling on my way to inquire after Ellen S. who is much better, and also on M.L. Oliveira, but without going in of course. It was 8 o’clock before I arrived at the Mount in consequence of the numerous stoppages, so that they had all done tea, and after procuring some more and reading the psalms and lessons we all went to bed.

Monday 5^th – Morning as usual, which I shall for the future take for granted. I read Kingdom of Cabul and was very much disgusted with the slowness of the geographical part, but read it on principle. Macworth appeared about 9 o’clock having supposed that Arabella would have overtaken and rode up with him, he being on foot, but she and Elisabeth did not appear till more than an hour afterwards. We worked a little after tea and then retired to repose. Ara. sleeps in my room but as we intended to rise very early the next morning we did not talk long and were soon asleep.

Tuesday 6^th – Up at 6 with the intention of bathing but found the poço  too dirty, dressed therefore and then walked till 8. I conducted the young lady to the most agreeable part of the garden and there left her to read which she did till dinner time, thereby allowing us to employ ourselves as if nothing was the matter, which was the more agreeable as though a most estimable person and very clever, she is most undeniably rather slow. Loiusa Shore rode up in the afternoon and Mama and Papa late in the evening as they had been waiting for the Vernon letters which however were not to be obtained. Mary W. did not come as we expected having a headache.

Wednesday 7^th – They bathed before breakfast and only lost one comb in the poço. Papa went to breakfast which Dr Lippold took with us and he gave a German lesson to us including Arabella who knows about as much as we do. During the lesson arrived a little boy from a ship going to Bombay, called Sody and then some of the children walked with him to the Adro.  We received our letters, which consisted only of one to me and Bella from Aunt Page and one from Mrs Magarey, a very stupid letter saying only that Jane Parkins married and that M Blakiston is very amiable and estimable. Thrown into a state of the most intense agitation at about 12 o ‘clock by Mr Soday telling us Sir Walter Scott was on board the Mahabar, and not only at Madeira, but actually at the Mount and probably at the moment within a few hundred yards from us as he had been heard to say he intended to honour the Mount Church with his presence in the course of the day. We immediately rushed to the Mirante hoping that we might still see him pass by but in vain, and a Captain Huges from the same ship, passing we invited him to dinner he being a friend of Dickinses and we hoping he might give us further information, but no he knew nothing and after dinner when he had taken his departure we returned to our post where we stayed till near dark, when in despair we returned, and Mrs Shore who came soon after, telling us she had heard he had only just come up we immediately prepared to go in a body to Mr Gordons, thinking he might be there but alas, when we had all rushed thiher with the greatest speed we discovered that our trouble might have been spared as they did not even know he was in the island. Leaving Mama and Arabella there, we were all proceeding with all possible speed to the Adro, when meeting Jacinto, to whom we gave a description of the object of our search he said he had seen such a person accompanied by two ladies and a gentleman at the Church that morning at the time Bella and the rest were there but not knowing him, how could the poor youth have told them! So there had they been standing in the same spot with his own father’s son, perhaps for some minutes and had not even seen him, they only heard some one mounting his horse, and their heart did not impel them to look round. Most melancholy reflection. So we now entirely despaired and returned straight home, not even having the satisfaction of venting our wrath on young Soady as he had already gone – if he had only told us in time we should almost inevitably have had the exquisite delight of seeing the person I would nearly rather see than any one in the world. The people from on board say he is very tall and handsome with great moustaches, not too stupid for a soldier, but for Sir Walter’s son. His wife he is not very fond of, and it is generally believed he married her for money and nought else. I am sure his father did not think so. He is going out to join the 15^th Hussars in which he is Lieut. Col. Mama presently arrived saying she had persuaded Mrs G. to invite him and all the others to breakfast the next morning and we were all to pay her a visit for the purpose of visiting her. This gave us some little hope and comfort but not much. We had hardly time to wonder at Mary’s second non appearance and when we had quite exhausted ourselves we went to bed. Arabella and I had then a very interesting conversation about marriages in particular and marriage in general etc.

Saturday 17^th – Being Mama and Papa’s wedding day we all went to spend it in the mountain. Miss Hayward and Bella preferred staying at home, but all the rest of us down to Charley, including Anna set off at 9 o ‘clock with the two horses to ride and tie, and reached Ribeira das Cales at 11, which was tolerably expeditious. After eating some fruit and drinking water Papa and Mama riding and Anna walking went to Ribeiro Frio  in hopes of seeing the fire which is burning on the Serra. They returned at 5 having only seen a little smoke and found us all rather ravenous, especially the children who in spite of several attacks on the basket were getting dreadfully impatient. They had been amusing themselves all day with washing their feet and stockings and I had been reading Bogle Corbet with which I was considerably interested. We turned our steps homewards at half past 6 it being then rather dark so we went as fast as we could in order not to be among the precipices in the night, and reached home in rather more than an hour having had a very nice day, but I was horridly tired, feeling as if I had been pounded and my feet blistered. They had seen the packet coming in during their ride, and we found our letters waiting for us, one for me from M.H. who is not going to be married and one from Uncle William, who mentions the arrival of the Dart more than a week ago and yet not a word of poor Joe.

Sunday 18^th – The horses being too tired to take us to town we all stayed quietly at home, I at least not sorry for a little rest. Read the Trial of Unitarians during the day and Laws Absolute Unlawfulness of Stage Entertainment in the evening.

Monday 19^th – A letter by way of Lisbon, they supposing it would be the most expeditious way, from Mama Evans and Grandmama, with most excellent accounts of Joseph, who is staying at Bramblebury having already paid Montague Place a visit of some days. Mama read Shakespeare after dinner but as I had something else to do I did not hear it. At about half past 5 Mama and I with the children two of them riding on the pony went to call on the Blandys and Ellicots and paid them immensely long and slow visits. After tea Mama began the “Two gents of Verona”.

Tuesday 20^th – Coming as usual into my room after breakfast to teach Charley found him instructing Willie with great diligence. I wrote letters to England and read a Vol. Of Wards Pictures of the World till Mama called us to hear the Two Gents of Verona. Papa came up, and I after retiring to my room, sat up reading Sterling till nearly 12, being much interested therewith. Penruddock is rather slow.

Wednesday 21^st - Dr Lippold breakfasted here, and insisting in giving us our lesson in the courado, in spite of the leste which however drove us in before we had completed. Mrs Wynter came to give the children a singing lesson, and being in a remarkably good humour sang herself delightfully, and taught us a glee.

Thursday 22^nd – We sang with great éclat in the poço. Wrote German and letters. Mama read to us in the evening.

Friday 23^rd – Charley being refractory I tied him to the post with Miss Eliza’s helps and there left him, but on returning in half and hour to set him free found that the prisoner had escaped, but he was afterwards forgiven. Papa sent for Mama to write letters so she went down and I read Light and Shadows of Scottish Life. Very pretty and reminds one little of German stories.

Saturday 24^th – Miss Hayward and Bella rode to town before breakfast. I finished my letters which were three very long ones to Miss Thomas, Anne Evans, and Mary Ann and sent them down at 1, at which hour the mail closed. But they will undoubtedly be in good time. Fanny went to town in the afternoon, and I being sick laid on my bed all the evening and read Southey’s letters till bed time, it being so furiously hot that it was impossible to go out. I should hope that Spain is a little altered since those days, as to civilization at least.

Sunday 25^th- Heard the children their Catechism and Charley read to me more than one hour. As the babies would not go to sleep we could not have prayers till very late and they were not over much before dinner. After which I read the Life of Venn in my room very quietly till dark when Fanny and Bella came up.

Monday 26^th – All the children came to work in my room and after hearing Charley and while mending my stockings I read Hooks Births Deaths and Marriages which I like the best of his that I have read. Jacinto called and paid a three hour visit but being better employed I did not go up to him though he made himself extremely agreeable. After dinner wrote German and finished Venn whose character I don’t so much admire as that some of the others, Rowland Hill g.b. Mrs Wynter called and gave the children a short lesson. We were very much alarmed at hearing that the fire which has been burning a fortnight on the Serra was within 4 or 5 miles from the Mount, but were afterwards somewhat reassured on learning that the leste was blowing it away from us. It has done a great deal of mischief in various parts, having killed two men and burnt houses at St. Annes, and destroyed a quantity of beautiful wood at the Rabaçal. Julia came up to tea and Mama did not on account of the heat which at present is less in town.

Tuesday 27^th - Finished Bs, Ds, and Ms and considerably astonished at the denouement which if not unnatural, is at least unexpected. Finished Southey, of which I like the poetry infinitely better than the prose. Mama and Papa rode up to tea.

Wednesday 28^th - Dr Lippold paid us most flattering comps. on our progress in German, it being the 1^st time we had translated English into German, and we had done it much better than he expected. Mama read Measure for Measure all the evening which I like the best we have heard yet, so I was not able to practice.

Thursday 29^th – Anne and Janet Blandy came to breakfast, and as no one else was up I walked with them till half past 8 when Papa appeared. After I had taught Charley we all worked in the drawing room while Mama read Much Ado About Nothing. Beatrice and Benedict are detectable. Mr Young arrived a little before dinner and till it was ready we went to the water course Papa is going to make if he can get any water. We had music and singing till about 5 when we went into the garden and there remained, I talking principally to poor Janet, and at near 7 they departed. The Blakhalls paid a visit, and not having dined we procured them some which they devoured while we had tea and then they stayed till past 11, during the whole of which they were talking in the most horrible manner I have ever heard, and yet, alas for human nature! We were in fits of laughter the whole time although most inexpressibly shocked and I hoped I shall never talk to them again. They know Miss Edgeworth, Mrs Jamieson and Sir Walter Scott very well the latter paid them a long visit the other day. We were not in bed till past 12.

Friday 30^th – I was awakened at ½ past 6 by M.L.O. who came to breakfast and was astonished at our laziness. Mr Ross called but I saw him not as I was writing all the morning. In the afternoon Mama read Midsummer Night’s Dream and M.L.O. went away in the middle. After tea I read aloud.

Saturday 31^st – Bella rode down after dinner and I walked after her as soon as I had finished Tom which is delectable and much nicer than the other. I met Papa on my way down, and arriving in town quite dead, I almost immediately after tea retired.

Sunday 1^st September – Bella and I bathed at the lime kiln at ½ past 6 and the tide being in and the sea smooth we had a delicious bath, she accompanied by numerous ladies, and also a gent not full grown, but we could with great pleasure have dispensed with him. Mama and Papa came to church where Mr Wynter read prayers, and Mr Lowe preached on the 10 lepers. We received the Sacrament. After dinner it being very hot we all laid down and read. I was delighted with White’s Meditations, which had not struck me when I read them before as remarkable. Bella and I rode up to tea.

Monday 2^nd – Rainy and cloudy for the 1^st time almost this summer. Mr Picken wrote to say he was not well enough to go to the Rabaçal with Papa tomorrow as had been intended.

Tuesday 3^rd – Mr Johns Sealy who is on his way to the coast of Africa breakfasted with us and made himself very agreeable giving us the latest theatrical news, and other important intelligence. I had just finished with Charley when Marian and Jane Wallas arrived, and we worked, walked, read and talked together all day. Mama and Papa came to tea.

Wednesday 4^th – Dr Lippold gave us an immense lesson and brought us a book called the Maiflus Slof which seems very slow. Mr and Mrs Lowe called and dined, also Dr Lippold. Marian and I went into the garden and talked very comfortably till tea time when we returned and found the Lowes gone and Dr Morris and his wife paying a visit. Mama began the Merchant of Venice. Marian was not very well so we talked little at night. Mama received a letter from Mr Smith entreating her to let us go in the September packet so we are to go much to our delight.

Thursday 5^th – We all sat nearly all day outside the courado talking and reading after dinner in my room. About 5 we set off to pay visits except Julia and Bella who was trying on a frock, so they only came to meet us. We went first to the Jellisses where the conversation was principally supported by Mama and Ellen Jellis and principally about Jacinto who they say is going to the Canaries. Then we proceeded to the Gordons where we found the most delightful people, no less than Cap. Hobson who is going out to be the Governor of New Zealand with his family in the “Druid”. He told us several interesting things and I am beyond measure delighted that the dear New Zealanders should have such a charming man as he appears to be take care of them. He says the gov. will not allow them any kind of Church establishment so that they are dependent on the Missionary societies for spiritual instruction which is a great shame, but it is to be hoped that they will think better of it. Mr Gordon wanted Papa to dine there, but he did not come up soon enough. I wish he had asked me. When we came home the Blandys called and the Wynters came to tea, after which Mrs Wynter sang delightfully till about 1. After we were in bed we all three talked immensely and very interestingly.

Friday 6^th – We sat and walked as usual in the garden very cosily. After dinner Bella and Marian retired to the former’s bower and I walked with Jane till Mama called us to hear the end of the Merchant and before it was finished the horses came to take M. and J. we were so sorry, for I think they like us, and we know we like them very much, and I hope we shall know one another better and be immense friends, but part we must and so we departed. After tea we had a most animated discussion an hour long, and the respective merits of bears (bores?) and hypocrites, and after exhausting ourselves we retired to rest.

Saturday 7^th – Practised for the first time this week which we have certainly wasted, but in a very agreeable manner. Wrote after dinner till I was half dead and then finished Francias Reign of Terror, which if true as I suppose it is, it is very terrible. Papa came up with the melancholy news that Christovão was gone mad and ruined, which is very distressing as he owned us £270, and we are not to go to Tenerife, but there are others much more to be pitied than we so we have patience.

Sunday 8^th – Rode to town, and found at ½ half 8 that Bella had breakfasted, she having gone to town the day before. We went to Church and Mr Lowe preached rather unintelligibly on circumcision, but perhaps the heat which was intense made me stupid. We laid down all day and read and Miss H. called. I finished Blunt on Abraham, which I liked not so well as formerly, and began a translation of the Epistles of some of the fathers which is very interesting and amusing.

Monday 9^th – We went shopping in the morning to buy bonnets, ribbons etc, and found the town talking of nothing but poor Christopher. Read etc and in the afternoon went to call on Mrs Ross who is very nice and showed us the Society books then we proceeded to the Mount where we arrived soon after 7.

Tuesday 10^th – Mrs Shore arrived about 7 and after bathing we had breakfast, I wrote nearly all day and then read. It is most delicious cool after the town. Mama and Mrs S. paid visits all the afternoon. M.L.O. called and we walked in the garden. Papa came up and we talked of Christovão and his debts.

Wednesday 11^th – Dr Lippold as usual. I read Mrs Trollopes Vienna which is undoubtedly an improvement on her America but yet I like it not very much, but I had a bad headache all day and went to bed immediately after tea although Charles Hayward, who had been drinking tea, seemed to be making himself very amusing, as far as I could judge from the laughter which reached me down in my room. Julia took possession of my spare bed as Rupert was ill and had taken hers, it being in a more tranquil quarter of the house.

Thursday 12^th – Mama went to town to call on the Shepards and found Ellen much better. Luzia also to see Dr Ross. She (mama) returned to tea with Papa, and Mrs Wynter, Jacinto and Mr Bernes also arrived unexpectedly. Singing in the evening.

Friday 13^th – Made pies, which were not superlative as I had forgotten the art since last year. Then read “Concealment” to Bella as she worked. Mama read “As you like it”, I don’t like it particularly and I don’t admire Rosalind.

Saturday 14^th – Miss Jellisses called and Mama went to town to attend a meeting to consult on the best way of recovering the School money which had been in Christovão’s keeping. Finished “Concealment” which is rather interesting. Mr Shore paid us a visit and we walked with him to the Quinta. On his departure we walked up to meet Papa who we had heard was up at the Mount with some strangers. We met him at the gate and returned with him, Col. Husdon 8 daughters and a youth name unknown. They are on their way to India and having lived closed to Kitty’s for two years they were able to tell us a good deal about her, and we liked them tolerably although they said they had read a little of Nicholas and didn’t know if it was on board. However they have promised to look for the August no. and to sent it us with some collars to copy. They will sleep on shore, what an extraordinary thing. Papa went down with them after tea, which they seemed to enjoy very much, as apparently they had never seen a bunch of grapes before.

Sunday 15^th – Bella was sick, and we were all so occupied with dosing and nursing her that we read but little. I read prayers and after dinner Julia went into the garden in hopes of being quiet a little while, but his satisfaction was denied us as Mr Picken came and paid us a long visit. He is quite well again. Harry and Clara came up from town bringing Nicholas and the collars.

Monday 16^th – All dressed at 7 and assembled in Bella’s room where Fanny read Nick to us and we did not breakfast till 9. It is a delightful no. worked and wrote etc. We sat up for Mama till overpowering sleep sent us to bed, and she arrived not till 11.

Tuesday 17^th – Breakfast was just over and we betaking ourselves to our several employments when Mr Dorny a passenger in the Loiusa Baillie appeared having walked up from town in less than an hour. The poor man was in consequence ravenously hungry so I have him some breakfast, and having appeased his hunger with 3 eggs, a loaf of bread etc Mama took him an hour long duet with which he professed himself very much delighted and then the children sung to him. He is really I think fond of music. He has 80 fellow passengers who have a genius for singing. They are German emigrants and tho’ they never saw one another before and have has no instruction they sing in parts and he says that tho’ a coarse performance they sing perfectly in time and tune. He could not stay to dinner but hopes to come and see us tomorrow. The Miss Jellisses were to have drunk tea with us but Ellen was ill so they sent us an excuse and M.L.O. who is making herself polite to the Loiusa Baillieans who are staying with her brother but at about 5 Miss Oliveira made her appearance and Mama had the cruelty to continue reading “All well that Ends well” till it was too dark to see. Then we had tea and after it music which is the poor lady said she did not dislike much. She soon inquired if bearers were come and finding that they were she prepared with joyful alacrity to leave a house where she had been so unkindly treated. I read a little of “Vienna and the Austrians” aloud.

Wednesday 18^th – Dr Lippold entertained us at breakfast and during our lesson with an account of the ceremony he had performed yesterday i.d. marrying 6 couple of the above mentioned Germans, who it seems, celebrated their marriage by coming on shore all getting drunk. After the DRS departure I wrote, worked practised. Julia and I walked down the Mount road and met Mr Dawney who was coming to drink tea with us, so we took him to the Corral and Quadrille Hill with which he highly delighted as he said it reminded him so much of Scotch scenery. We found Mrs Wynter seated at the piano when we arrived, but we had tea immediately and she sung afterwards with Julia and Mr Dawney who sings perfectly and seems to be a thorough musician but the most delightful part of him was his conversation, he being acquainted with everyone one. No less persons that Sir Walter Scott, Tom Moore, Abercromble, who he says is a disagreeable man, quite impossible I am convinced, Coombe, who is very delightful, Lockart, Kean etc. and he told us interesting anecdotes of each. But above all and most interesting of all was his account of Charles Dickens of whom we had never before been able to obtain any authentic information. But so well is his character discoverable from his writing, that we found that all our conjecture concerning him were correct. He is married to a Miss Hogart who Mr Dawney known all his life and pronounces to be a simpleton, not even pretty, so that I am afraid he ( Mr Dickens) cannot be much in love with her. He is very reserved in company, and although he is now making 10 or 1200£ per annum, lives in Gore Street and sees no one. His brothers and sisters are numerous and he is very kind to his father, an extravagant old man who having spent all his money is now living on his son. Three years ago Mr Dickens was a Bow Street reporter, receiving 3 guineas a week. Five years ago when Miss Hogart married him he was entirely unknown, so she at least had the merit of finding out his qualifications, as it is to be supposed there was love on one side at all events.Mrs Wynter was not so much interested in this conversation as we were and being rather overpowered by so much conversation she retired unperceived and rode down solitary. He staid and would have stayed longer, but Mama had the barbarity to turn him out by main force because she was sleepy.

Thursday 19^th – The Dart came in. Twenty seven days out. Only 5 passengers as 10 had been obliged by sea sickness to put back at Falmouth. The Burnetts and Mr Dawney were to have tea but did not on account of the weather which was rainy. Papa brought no letters so they are probably in parcels.

Friday 20^th – Sophia Shephard came to breakfast, but could not stay to dinner. Mrs Taylor and children called and dined. The letters arrived from Grandmama, Aunts Fanny and Page and Joye and from A.E. for me. Mama and I walked down to drink tea with the Lowes and found them just returning from a ride. The conversation was not so generally interesting as it usually is there, though we talked of some interesting things, baptism, New Zealanders, Sir Walter Scott, Dickens etc. we were much distressed at hearing of a speech made by the Governor with whom we were so delighted, i.e, that the plan of government now was to encourage fighting among the savages that they might destroy one another, thereby saving us the trouble. Mama read Joseph’s letter which was highly approved and Mr Lowe a very good one from Mr Gauntlett about the organ. We had a delicious ride up in the moonlight conversing about J.B.T and others like him much to my edification. I was not in bed till 12.

Saturday 21^st – I rode down before dinner intending to ride to Ribeiro Seco with M.L.O. but her friends did not leave her until 6 o’clock, when she came to see me and took me back to tea as Papa went up to the Mount. I had a pleasant evening watching the billiard players over the way at the Club, reading, playing etc. although the heat was intense Dr Oliveira walked home with me.

Sunday 22^nd – It poured, so that I was afraid I should not be able to go to the Church, but it cleared up I departed, but the heat was so overpowering that I might almost as well have stayed at home, and understood hardly one word of the sermon. I walked home with the Wallases who have had a charming letter from Katherine between whom and Margaret Wood has sprung up during the voyage a violent affection. James brought the packet letters which had arrived in the morning which I sent up to the Mount and followed in an hour, through pouring rain, one of them from Uncle William containing the unlooked for intelligence that he left Portsmouth with Mr Deane in the Belle Alliance 2 days before the packet left Falmouth. So we may expect him immediately. Marian wrote to me word that they had received a letter from Mary with which they were of course overjoyed. Papa went down.

Monday 23^rd – Anxiously looking out for signals. Mama went to town immediately after breakfast with Fanny. Mr Ross paid us a long visit in the afternoon and gave us some information we had not heard before of the grand Scottish tournament, as which, he says, nothing was ever so magnificent since the days of Invahoe. He was sorry to have missed seeing Mr Dawney who is a well known man he told us, no party in Edinburgh being thought perfect without him. So I think we showed great discrimination in being so delighted with him. He is also the author of a celebrated book on Scottish minstrelsy. In the evening to our great surprise we heard Mama’s voice, as she had just written us word she was not coming, and we were inexpressibly disgusted to hear the reason of her sudden appearance was to prepare for an instantaneous removal into town as it was thought better that we should be ready in the house to receive Uncle William. We prepared several cargoes.

Tuesday 24^th (Papa’s birthday) – Packing up with great diligence. Harriet and I went to pay all the P.P.C. visits which we accomplished in rather less than two hours. We began to come down directly after dinner. Julia and I set off together leaving Mrs Burnett who was paying Mama a visit rather malpropros. The last stragglers reached town about 7 and we were all glad to retire to rest soon after tea. We sent Papa in the morning a pair of slippers which we have been working and Fanny gave him a drawing.

Wednesday 25^th – Worked still harder than yesterday putting our things away and making ourselves comfortable, which was considerably fatiguing on account of the heat. I copied a letter for Papa and at intervals and in the evening finished Mrs Jamieson Winter Studies and Summer Rambles which is very interesting in spite of the humbug to be found so abundantly in all her writings. What she says of the savages is sufficiently melancholy, but as she contradicts herself so often I hope that her principles that the Indians are incapable of civilisation is ill-founded. Poor dear savages.

Thursday 26^th – The Dart sails positively today, so that I have not yet had time to begin my letters. I am afraid I shall not trouble my correspondents with very long ones. I wrote to Anne Phelps and Miss Margery and the 12^th part of one to Joye. Bella and I went out with the intention of going to see the Haywards but as we met them they returned with us to see our pretty things. Mrs Wynter called, but as the children were drinking tea with the Shores, she did not stay very long.

Friday 27^th – Mama went up to the Mount to fetch some things that had been left behind, and returned after we had dined accompanied by Mr Wynter. During her absence Mr Hamilton called, he having arrived the other day from Tenerife. He was very happy but very slow and we could not envy Selina’s prospect of living with him all her life in the wilds of Tenerife. He said Mr Bense was expecting us in the September packet and would be so very disappointed. It is quite melancholy that we should cause the unhappiness of so many people. No La Bella Alliance.

Saturday 28^th – The hottest day we have had. Scolding Charley and playing Egmont put me quite into a fever. I finished GouZalve, not having read it before since I left Kent Terrace. What a pretty nonsense it is. I rode to Ribeiro Seco with M.L.O. and eat grapes till I was sick.

Sunday 29^th (Michaelmas Day) – We all went to Church and found our pew rather crowded. Mr Lowes sermon more unintelligible than ever from a text in Revelation. I despair entirely of understanding Mr Lowe’s sermons. We were sorry Uncle William was not with us to eat his Michaelmas goose. After dinner Bella and I made ourselves comfortable and sat, or rather reclined in our room till tea time. I finished Laws Christina Perfection which undoubtedly is rather ridiculous in saying it is very wicked to ride in a carriage and eat off plants, but contains a good deal of sensible truth and I began Reiht’s Evidence but have not learnt anything from it yet. Papa and the children took an immensely long scrambling walk in the afternoon. Rather they that I this hot weather.

Monday 30^th – Papa Mama and I went to call on Dona Jacinta but only saw her daughter in law a young lady about my age and 3 times my size. Dr Lippold came after dinner and gave us a very long and hot lesson but as Maiflus Slof is getting very interesting we did not mind. We received a charmingly long and interesting letter from Arthur from Cotta. He and John can talk German and understand Vissillaw perfectly and are very happy. They don’t seem to find the German ladies very intellectual but very kind, and excellent waltzers. Mrs Wynter gave the children a lesson and drank tea. I tried to read up what they read in Loweller when I was out but became the fridgets and could not. D.Freitas and Shore called in the morning.

Tuesday (October 1^st) – Thought all the morning Bella Alliance was coming in but it was only the Lorilon, which sailed a day before it. After dinner I rode up to the Mount with Charley who was much delighted with the story of the Princess ?, to give some things that were wanted. M.L.O. turned me off and rode up from her house while I walked.

Wednesday 2^nd – The Belle Alliance off at 7 o’clock at 11 Mina sent word that Mr Phelps would be on shore in ½ an hour as the vessel was in quarantine for that time. We watched anxiously for them and in about an hour we had the satisfaction of rushing downstairs and embracing the tio before all the people assembled in the patio. Mr Deane also shook hands with us most affectionately, to our own astonishment, as when in England we had never dared approach or hardly speak to him, and we had for the last fortnight been thinking of him with feelings of dread and aversion, but now we perceived that we were considerably mistaken in our opinion of him. He is a gentleman, between 50 and 60 rather reserved, but apparently very nice and I hope we shall be immense friends. It now appears that Uncle William had invited all the passengers in the ship to stay here and we immediately began to prepare for their reception. The drawing room was soon full of people i.e General and Mrs De la Motte with their 3 daughters, Augusta, Loiusa with whom we were at school 10 years ago at Mrs Parkers and Marianne nicish girls rather pretty and accomplished and who will probably do very well in India. Capt and Mrs Hocking disgustingly affected vulgar people making love to one another all day. Mrs Kindersley a quite nice little woman with a child 3 years old. Miss Harrison and Miss Nesbitt, two young ladies who are going out for the purpose of marrying a Mr Stewart and a Mr Davis who are somewhere in India they are not sure where. It will be unfortunate if they cannot find them as they seem to be going quite alone. They are both very affected and Miss Nesbitt hideous. These with their maids were provided with beds here and at little Carmo, the Capt went to Mr Pimenta. Mr and Mrs Tripp with 5 children and a governess dined with us. They are going to stay in the Island, Mr Tripp being a great invalid. Capt. Arkall took me in and I sat between him and is intimate with his sons. We dined at 5 and then after tea we had dancing and music. Fanny and I played most of the Quadrilles and I was not able to dance with Mr Deane who I had reminded of a refusal to dance with me about 10 years ago. Now having I suppose grown up more polite he was very willing. We went to bed about 11.

Thursday 3^rd – All the people including the Miss Tripps who are in lodging near were escorted to St Clara by the children where they made numerous purchases on their return I having quilled a cap meanwhile we all rode up to the Mount. Some of the ladies rushed up to the Mount road, without waiting for me, but as it had been so determined I took the rest of the party up the St Luzia road where I had never been before. I rode principally with the General de la Motte who is very gentlemanly and rather nice and on reaching the Gordons I sent Cap. Hocking to meet and bring us the other half who had been waiting for us ½ an hour. We walked over the Gordon’s Quinta, and then having sent on the horses with a message to Manoel we proceeded on foot to the church, Curral, and through the Curral Gate to the house where we devoured grapes, biscuits and wine with great satisfaction, it being at this time near 3. I then walked in the garden with Mrs de la Motte and the others amused themselves very happily. She is very nice, and abused Cap. Hacking and told me the fashions, of which I fear she thought me deplorably ignorant. I whished to keep together going down, but was not able to do so as my saddle was too forward and I was obliged to stay behind at M.O.L’s to have it altered with a Liuetenant Mead, with whom in consequence I had the felicity of riding all the rest of the way. Mr Deane took me in to dinner about ½ past 6 and amused Bella who sat on the other side, and me very much with stories of the voyage etc. In the evening the Haywards came, but Augusta de la Motte monopolized the singing so Julia did not sing much. We danced Scotch reels, mazurkas, waltzes etc. I waltzed chiefly with Papa and fortunately escaped Cap. Hocking, altho’ I had not been fortunate enough to do so the day before. After they were all gone to bed, Papa, the Uncle, Bella and I sat up talking till past 12 and were in bed about 1. A very satisfactory day.

Friday 4^th – Bella Fanny and the people went to the Curral. I staid at home to entertain the elder de la Mottes and Mrs Hocking who were writing letters all day. Miss Tripp and Miss Berridge the governess, called, a Mr Picken with whom I had a longer and more interesting conversation that I had yet had about “affairs in general” of which Papa had told him a good deal. A Mr Scott came while he was here, a passenger in the Belle Alliance, a most innocent youth who was woefully disappointed with Madeira because the shops were not as fine as in Regents Street, and all the people he met could not talk English. I sent him to meet the Curralites but at dinner he told us that he had been unsuccessful in his search. They all came home in time for dinner having enjoyed themselves excessively. I went in with Cap. Arkall again but talked chiefly to Uncle William on family matters. After tea we danced plentifully in spite of the fatigue of the Curral party, the Tripps drank tea with us. We finished with a Sir Roger de Colverly which at length I danced with Mr Deane, and then we stood in the balcony looking at the stars and talking about the Isle of Man etc rather quickly. As we were to breakfast all on board positively at 6 the next morning we went to bed soon after 12, Mr Deane having first been introduced to our room in order to be able to call us at 5 o´clock.

Saturday 5^th – Mr Deane came when we were just dressed having forgotten I suppose. He promised to take great care of me and not allow me to be sick if I went on board, so I allowed myself to be prevailed upon and before 7 we were all on our way to the beach and soon reached the vessel which is a fine one nearly 600 tons. Mrs de La Motte and I preferred sitting on deck to eating breakfast altho’ not the least sick when they all done we went to see the cabins. The De La Motte accommodations are delightful. As they have all the poop to themselves, and their cabins are most comfortably arranged. Below it was very hot and sickish but as well as could be expected. The Cap. was in a hurry to be off so he turned us quickly out of the ship and after numerous affectionate embracing and leave takings we were returned to the boats and were soon on shore. I hardly felt the least sick which I attribute, to say nothing of Mr Deane’s care, to not having eaten anything. We went into the cathedral on our way home and stayed in the Praça some time listening to the Band which MR Deane said was very respectable. I breakfasted as soon as we reached home and then soon after Mama read the 18^th no. which Miss Harrison had given us while we mended the tablecloth till diner, during which we arranged our ride, and immediately after Bella and I and the 2 gents set off to the Mount by the St Luzia walked all about there and returned in the dark. Mr Deane was quite charmed with it and says that although he has travelled so much he has never seen anything like Madeira tho as beautiful. Uncle William’s recollection of everything is quite astonishing. He knew his way perfectly and remembered all the places and people we encountered during our ride as well as if he had been living here instead of in England for the last 25 years. We were all sufficiently tired after our weeks dissipation and went to bed immediately after tea and slept well.

Sunday 6^th – The two strangers had the laziness to ride to Church and then they proceeded to the Convent where the embracing we heard were very affectionate, and to pay other visits. We received the Sacrament, and heard rather better sermon from Mr Lowe. After dinner they walked with Papa and we sat quietly in the drawing room, not having yet recovered from last week’s dissipation. We retired early to rest.

Monday 7^th – The 2 gents went to see wine made and we returned to our usual occupation in peace. The Western Woods brought letters from Mr Shute and Mrs Huges who are well, and the Hudlestons from Dr Calvert and someone else. After dinner Mama and I rode up to the valle, Fanny walking and called on the Tripps who have taken a house there and were consequently in great confusion but nevertheless very happy I believe to see us.Then Mama went up to the Mount where she had business to transact, promising to meet us at the Lowes, Fanny to Jones and I to Sophia Shepherd to whom I gave an account of all our proceedings during the last week. At 6 Fanny and I set off to the Lowes she riding and I walking so that I was soon left by myself and it was such a delicious evening that I did not like to hurry myself and it was growing very dark when I met Mr James Hayward who was so shocked at seeing me there, that he insisted in leaving his poor mad daughter with whom he was walking to take care of me, although I was not the least afraid. He told me that order have been sent from Lisbon to arm the fortress as the English were coming to take the island, also 3 men of war. At last we met Fanny who had come to look for me and then he was prevailed upon to leave us. We found Mrs Lowe at home and Mr Lowe arrived soon after. We talked deliciously till Mama came which was not for some time about Mr Deane, at whom they advise us to set out cap, but I told them we had already thought of that and that it would not do and then we talked about the Queen who Mr Deane is a dreadful glutton and sings as well as Grisi. Mama came and we had tea but before that meal was concluded a most violent dispute arose concerning Queens Elisabeth and Mary. The Lowes consider the first a paragon of perfection the true head of the Church, religious, virtuous and most sensible and the second a murderess, adulteress and traitress and as such deserving of death to which Elisabeth was justified in condemning her. Mama was disposed to reverse their characters and the dispute was very hot. From this they glided to Arthur Gride and Madelien Bray which furnished a second subject for dispute and here I agree with Mama who thinks it perjury to swear before Heaven to love and honour the man you hate and always must do. But the Lowes say young ladies are quite right to obey their parents if by marrying the object of their disgust and hatred they can save them from probable want or distress. This being over Mr Lowe said he wanted to play and as Fanny had brought up Beethovens Septette they say down to play it tho’ Mr Lowe wanted me to play it but Mama said Fanny had better as I was so nervous. When they had played about 30 pages Mr Lowe said Fanny played some thing badly and obliged me to sit down and although I was horribly frightened I got through pretty well and they were both so kind to me that I was almost glad I had played after all. Mr Lowe played some very hard things which he said were very beautiful but I could not appreciate it but he did not scold me. We were obliged to go away early on account of the little boy we had with the horses, so before 11 Mr Lowe went with us along the levada mounted and departed. I asked him to lend me his Vissillaw that I might read Marwin Murut which he as usual refused as he said there were some very improper things bound up with it, but Mama told him he must lend it us and he is going to do so. They were all gone to bed when we arrived and we soon followed their example.

Tuesday 8^th – Bella, Harriet, Mr Deane and Uncle William set off at 6 to Campanário, the Jardim etc and I woke up at 5 to give Bella the history of our evenings entertainment which was very entertaining. I spent the morning quietly. A Permabunco steamer came in to Papa the Capt whereof dined with. He astonished us much by talking of a “revival” which lately took place at Glasgow, but it was not I think an American revival or at least a Mrs Trollopses. The poor man belonged to the Temperance Society and would drink no wine and has made several voyages without a drop of spirits on board and yet no grumbling. After dinner Mama went to call on the Hudlestons and found only the gentleman at home. He was rather agreeable and said his wife and sister would be happy to go to the Convent tomorrow. Thence we proceeded to the Deanery taking up Papa and a Palanquin for Mama on the way. The western Woods were at home and will perhaps come to the Convent. We then went on to the Angustias where we remained till they called me to go home. We were not slow but I find it very disagreeable to be obliged to be so guarded as it is necessary to be while talking to her and she does say such silly things, clever tho she be. She was quite surprised and rather shocked that we should think of going to Teneriffe after hearing the report that we were going on “spec” and said that my bonnet which happened to be very close was “quite a Portuguese bonnet”. Now the Portuguese invariably have their bonnets sticking up in the air. They were all in bed when we reached home and as Bella pretended to be asleep I heard nothing on their adventures.

Wednesday 9^th – From what Bella told me this morning I think she seems to be following the Lowes advice with all her might which is very praiseworthy. They breakfasted with the Lewises, called on the Stoddarts, had splendid weather splendid scenery and enjoyed themselves in consequence immensely. The Capt breakfasted with us and was very agreeable and rather amusing. I taught, worked and wrote till time for the Convent. Mrs De Freitas and Mary called but I luckily escaped them. A very slow day to me at least in the convent. Bella masqueraded, and some strangers came after dinner, and we had music in the chapel as usual. We were all very tired and enjoyed to be able at length to go to bed.

Thursday 10^th – Quiet all day. In the evening the gentleman went to dine with Mr Shortridge and I read “The only daughter”.

Friday 11^th - Bella found herself at 5 o’ clock not well enough to go out so we set off to the Portela without her. Mr Deane, Uncle William, Fanny and I reached Camacha at 8 and there was a most affectionate embrace between Mrs Beane and Uncle William. We had to wait till ½ past 9 for breakfast as they expected some West Indians who only arrived then, as soon as we had appeased our hunger Fanny and I rushed to the Taylors where I had a long conversation with Julia and then returned to the Beans, but Uncle William was so fascinated that we with difficult got him away at ½ past 10. The road to the Portela being very good we had a delightful gallop nearly all the way, and arrived at St Antonio da Serra about two. We invited the Vicar to dine with us, but he refused. I suppose because it was a jour maigre[1], so he waited upon us instead changing our plates etc. not having made ourselves too tipay with cherry brandy we then set off to the crater. I walked with Mr Deane but found him very slow. I think he is an owl but his is perhaps only jealousy and he is undeniably very polite, which is a great comfort in picnics. We returned to St Antonio at 4 and mounted our poor beasts for whom we had been able to procure nothing better than a straw or grass. Out of pity for them we galloped very little on our way home and it was quite dark when we reached Camacha. We called at Mrs Taylors to let them know of our safety and as Fannys nose began to bleed we all dismounted and sat very comfortably round a fire-a-torch being procured we again proceeded and reached town about 9, having had a very pleasant ride. They expected that we should have been tho’s as the weather was supposed to be very bad on the mountain but we had has a very tolerable day and not much rain. I sat up till 11 reading the letters per Florence & Packet, which had come in today. One for me from Katherine. Not so nice as I expected. Letters for Mama from Mrs Hamond, Mrs Hordon, Heurtly, Lionel Olive etc for Papa from Uncle John and Grandmama. Considerably bad news. What will become of us. From Joe and Miss Thomas to Mrs Lowe. The latter much better.

Saturday 12^th – We rode up to the Mount at 12 and were joined there by the Tripps. Miss Lesford rode with us. She is one of a family that brought us letters by the Florence and not nice. They all walked before dinner and Mama & I stayed at home and read the last no. of Nickolus which the charming Willie Lealy had just sent us. After dinner the rain poured and it was impossible to stir out of the house so none of the party being of a very library turn they danced a quadrille and I finished sweet Nikolus the portrait of Charles Dickens is very handsome but not what we expected and rather disappointed us. When the rain cleared up we were all delighted, an set off immediately. I walked nearly all the way by myself in the dark which was the nicest part of the day and reached home very tired of two days hard work.

Sunday 13^th - Mr Lowe preached on the Church and private judgment as usual but some parts were interesting and intelligible. Mr Deane and the Uncle dined at Mr Pimenta and we went again to church evening service having recommenced and heard a very nice sermon from Mr Lowe with not a word of the Church, but telling us that this not our rest, which we were now particularly happy to be reminded of. We read quietly the rest of the evening.

Monday 14^th – Bella went out with the gents. I at home as usual. Dr Lippold gave us a long lesson alas it is to be our last. Mama told him that with so many “distractions” she was sure we could not learn our lessons. The Wallases called while he was here and told us that Mary was to be married on the 3^rd and then to proceed to Oxford & Cheltenham. She wrote in charming spirits of course.