_Windsor, July 28._--To-day I made my first evening visit, and for the
first time failed Mrs. Schwellenberg's tea-table entirely. You will be
surprised to hear for whom I took this effort--Lady Effingham! But I
found from Mrs. Delany she had been a little hurt by the passage-scene,
and seemed to think I meant to avoid her future visits and civilities.
Mrs. Delany, therefore, advised me to go to Stoke, her country-seat, by
way of apologizing, and to request the queen's permission, Promising to
carry me herself.
I never hesitate where she counsels. I thought it, too, a good
opportunity of trying my length of liberty, as Lady Effingham is one
of the ladies of the bedchamber, and is frequently at the Lodge as a
private visitor.
It was inexpressibly awkward to me to ask leave to go out, and awkwardly
enough I believe I did it, only saying that if her majesty had no
objection, Mrs. Delany would carry me in the evening to Stoke. She
smiled immediate approbation, and nothing more passed.
I had then to tell my intention to Mrs. Schwellenberg who was, I
believe, a little surprised. Fortunately, Major Price came upstairs to
coffee. A little surprised, too, I am sure, was Major Price, when I made
off for the whole evening. Everybody had taken it for granted I must
necessarily pursue the footsteps of Mrs. Haggerdorn, and never stir
out. But, thank God, I am not in the same situation; she had no
connections--I have such as no one, I believe, ever had before.
The evening was rainy; but, my leave asked and obtained, my kind Mrs.
Delany would not defer the excursion. Stoke is about three miles off.
We were received in the civilest manner possible by Lady Effingham, and
Sir George Howard and Lady Frances. There were also several of their
relations with them. Lady Effingham seems a mighty good-humoured,
friendly woman. Sir George is pompous, yet he, too, is as good-humoured
in his manners as his Lady.