to him so long, I went alone by water down to Redriffe, and so to sit and
talk with Sir W. Pen, where I did speak very plainly concerning my
thoughts of Sir G. Carteret and Sir J. Minnes. So as it may cost me some
trouble if he should tell them again, but he said as much or more to me
concerning them both, which I may remember if ever it should come forth,
and nothing but what is true and my real opinion of them, that they
neither do understand to this day Creed's accounts, nor do deserve to be
employed in their places without better care, but that the King had better
give them greater salaries to stand still and do nothing. Thence coming
home I was saluted by Bagwell and his wife (the woman I have a kindness
for), and they would have me into their little house, which I was willing
enough to, and did salute his wife. They had got wine for me, and I
perceive live prettily, and I believe the woman a virtuous modest woman.
Her husband walked through to Redriffe with me, telling me things that I
asked of in the yard, and so by water home, it being likely to rain again
to-night, which God forbid. To supper and to bed.

18th. Up and to my office, where all the morning, and Sir J. Minnes and I
did a little, and but a little business at the office. So I eat a bit of
victuals at home, and so abroad to several places, as my bookseller's, and
then to Thomson the instrument maker's to bespeak a ruler for my pocket
for timber, &c., which I believe he will do to my mind. So to the Temple,
Wardrobe, and lastly to Westminster Hall, where I expected some bands made
me by Mrs. Lane, and while she went to the starchers for them, I staid at
Mrs. Howlett's, who with her husband were abroad, and only their daughter
(which I call my wife) was in the shop, and I took occasion to buy a pair
of gloves to talk to her, and I find her a pretty spoken girl, and will
prove a mighty handsome wench. I could love her very well. By and by
Mrs. Lane comes, and my bands not being done she and I posted and met at
the Crown in the Palace Yard, where we eat a chicken I sent for, and