We had such a large dinner at the Nicoll’s yesterday, but rather lively for one of those State dinners, and Sir Jasper likes his whist; so George and I had that consolation in the evening. I think I shall end, like Aunt Moore, with a decided wish for my rubber in the evening with ‘Brother’ and ‘Cousin Margaret,’ only the more I play, the worse I play.
I quite forgot to mention that in the ship ‘Repulse,’ which sailed last week, I sent off my four beautiful hill pheasants, addressed to Mr . They arrived only two days before in perfect health; and Mr. Frazer, an old friend of ours, promised to look after them and to let his servant do so. Moreover I sent on board a quantity of grain for their food, and gave the butcher of the ship a guinea to take care of them, supposing Mr. Frazer and his servant would probably be sea-sick. Therefore everything has been done for them that native art and Frazer can divine, and they ought to reach home alive; but I suppose they won’t, as none ever have. George wanted me very
