Page:Repository of Arts, Series 1, Volume 01, 1809, January-June.djvu/319

Rh a manner the night before. Wade a poultice for Rachael, and gave Robin a penny to get her something comfortable from the apothecary.

Six o'clock—The buttock of beef rather too much boiled, and the beer a little of the stalest.—Mem. To talk to the cook about the first fault, and to mend the second myself, by tapping a fresh barrel directly.

Seven o'clock—Went to walk with the lady my mother into the court-yard; fed five and-twenty men and women—chid Roger severely, for expressing some ill-will at attending us with broken meat.

Eight o'clock—Went into the paddock behind the house, with my maid Dorothy; caught Thump the little poncy myself, and rode a matter of six miles without bridle and saddle.

Ten o'clock—Went to dinner—John Gray, a most comely youth, but what is that to me? A virtuous maiden should be entirely under the direction of her parents. John eat but little, and stole a great many tender looks at me: said women would never be handsome in his opinion, who were not good tempered! I hope my temper is not intolerable! Nobody finds fault with it but Roger, and he is the most disorderly serving man in the family. John Gray likes white teeth: my teeth are of a pretty good colour. I think my hair is black as jet, though I it; and John, if I mistake not, is of the same opinion.

Eleven o'clock—Rose from table, the company all desirous of taking a walk in the fields. John Gray would lift me over every stile, and twice he squeezed my hand a with vehemence. I cannot say I have any objection to John Gray. He plays at prison bars as well as any of the country gentlemen, is remarkably dutiful to his parents, my lord and lady, and never misses church of a Sunday.

Three o'clock—Poor farmer Robinson's house burned down by an accidental fire. John Gray proposed a subscription among the company for the relief of the farmer, and gave no less than four pounds himself with this benevolent intent.—Mem. Never saw him look so comely as at that moment.

Four o'clock—Went to prayers.

Six o'clock—Fed the hogs and poultry.

Seven o'clock—Supper on the table; delayed lo that late hour on account of farmer Robinson's misfortune.—Mem. The goose-pie too much baked, and the pork roasted to rags.

Nine o'clock—The company half asleep: these late hours very disagreeable. Said my prayers a second time, John Gray distracting my thoughts too much the first time.