lonely life, which I know not how without great charge to help as yet, but
I will study how to do it.

20th. Up and had L100 brought me by Prior of Brampton in full of his
purchase money for Barton's house and some land. So to the office, and
thence with Mr. Coventry in his coach to St. James's, with great content
and pride to see him treat me so friendly; and dined with him, and so to
White Hall together; where we met upon the Tangier Commission, and
discoursed many things thereon; but little will be done before my Lord
Rutherford comes there, as to the fortification or Mole. That done, my
Lord Sandwich and I walked together a good while in the Matted Gallery, he
acquainting me with his late enquiries into the Wardrobe business to his
content; and tells me how things stand. And that the first year was worth
about L3000 to him, and the next about as much; so that at this day, if he
were paid, it will be worth about L7000 to him. But it contents me above
all things to see him trust me as his confidant: so I bid him good night,
he being to go into the country, to keep his Christmas, on Monday next.
So by coach home and to my office, being post night, and then home and to
bed.

21st (Lord's day). Lay long in bed, so up to Church, and so home to
dinner alone with my wife very pleasant. After dinner I walked to my
brother's, where he told me some hopes he had of bringing his business to
pass still of his mistress, but I do find they do stand upon terms that
will not be either fit or in his power to grant, and therefore I did
dislike his talk and advised him to give it quite over. Thence walked to
White Hall, and there to chappell, and from thence up stairs, and up and
down the house and gallerys on the King's and Queen's side, and so through
the garden to my Lord's lodgings, where there was Mr. Gibbons, Madge, and
Mallard, and Pagett; and by and by comes in my Lord Sandwich, and so we