[1774,] Aug. 25, Thursday night, Almack's.--Here are the Duke of
Roxb[urgh], Vernon, James, and Sir W. Draper at Whist; Boothby,
Richard, and R. Fletcher at Quinze. I dined to-day at the Duke of
Argyle's(117) at a quarter before four. He and the Duchess went to
Richmond at six. The maccaroni dinner was at Mannin's. My eyes are
still very painful to me at night, and I do not know what I shall do
for them. I hear of no news; that of the Duchess of Leinster's(118)
match is very equivoque; and extreme their drawing-room.

I (am) in constant expectation of being sent for again to
Gloucester, and begin (sic) a canvas. I think if I prevent it, and
an opposition, I shall be very vain of my conduct. There is nothing
so flattering as the shewing people who thought that they could dupe
you, that you know more of the matter than they do. I know too
little to be active, but have prudence enough to take no steps while
I am in the dark upon the suggestion of others who cannot possibly
interest themselves for me. But I really think it will be a miracle
if this is not a troublesome and expensive Election to me. However,
I will not anticipate the evil by groaning about it before it
happens. . . .

The Duke of Newcastle is to bring Will Hanger into Parliament, but
what is to pay for his chair to go down to the House the Lord knows;
they tell me that there is absolutely not a shilling left.

(117) John, fifth Duke of Argyll (1723-1806). He had married for his
second wife the Duchess of Hamilton, nee Gunning, the famous beauty.