It was not my fault, but my printers’ (who deserve raps for it), that
mine came before the Company’s in last Fors. [71] It is, I think, now
time to state, in general comment on my monotonous account, that the
current expenses recorded in the bills of Jackson, Kate, Downs, and
David, represent for the most part sums spent for the maintenance or
comfort of others; and that I could if need were, for my own part, be
utterly at ease in the sunny parlour of a village inn, with no more
carriage or coachman than my own limbs,—no more service than a civil
traveller’s proper share,—and the blessedness of freedom from
responsibility from everything. To which condition, if I ever reduce
myself by my extravagance, and, (indeed, just after paying my good Mr.
Ellis for thirteenth-century MSS., [72] etc., a hundred and forty
pounds, I am in treaty to-day with Mr. Quaritch for another, which he
says is charged at the very lowest penny at three hundred and
twenty)—it will be simply to me only occasion for the loadless
traveller’s song; but as it would be greatly inconvenient to other
people, I don’t at present intend it. Some day, indeed, perhaps I shall
begin to turn a penny by my books. The bills drawn by Mr. Burgess
represent now the only loss I incur on them.
£ s. d.
Stated Balance, July 15th 617 11 3
Repayment and other receipts, July and August 406 6 5
----------
1023 17 8
Expenses 427 5 0
----------
Balance, August 15th £596 12 8
==========
£ s. d.
July 16. Geoghegan (blue neckties) 4 0 0
” Naval School 5 5 0
17. David 65 0 0
” Downs 25 0 0
30. Jackson 50 0 0
” Kate 50 0 0
Aug. 1. Herne Hill ground-rent 23 0 0
14. Burgess 40 0 0
15. Ellis and White 140 0 0
” Lucy Tovey (gift) 10 0 0
” Self (chiefly gone in black quartz from St 15 0 0
Gothard Tunnel)
----------
£427 5 0
==========