_June_ 1.--Yesterday I also finished a few trifling memoranda on a book
called _The Omen_, at Blackwood's request. There is something in the
work which pleases me, and the style is good, though the story is not
artfully conducted. I dined yesterday in family with Skene, and had a
visit from Lord Chief-Commissioner; we met as mourners under a common
calamity. There is something extremely kind in his disposition.
Sir R. D[undas] offers me three days of the country next week, which
tempts me strongly were it but the prospect of seeing Anne. But I think
I must resist and say with Tilburina,
"Duty, I'm all thine own."[278]
If I do this I shall deserve a holiday about the 15th June, and I think
it is best to wait till then.
_June_ 2.--A pleasant letter from Sophia, poor girl; all doing well
there, for which God be praised.
I wrote a good task yesterday, five pages, which is nearly double the
usual stint.