might be some sleight used in it by the boy, or that the boy might be
light, call the cook of the house, a very lusty fellow, as Sir G.
Carteret's cook, who is very big, and they did raise him in just the same
manner. This is one of the strangest things I ever heard, but he tells it
me of his owne knowledge, and I do heartily believe it to be true. I
enquired of him whether they were Protestant or Catholique girles; and he
told me they were Protestant, which made it the more strange to me. Thus
we end this month, as I said, after the greatest glut of content that ever
I had; only under some difficulty because of the plague, which grows
mightily upon us, the last week being about 1700 or 1800 of the plague.
My Lord Sandwich at sea with a fleet of about 100 sail, to the Northward,
expecting De Ruyter, or the Dutch East India fleet. My Lord Hinchingbroke
coming over from France, and will meet his sister at Scott's-hall. Myself
having obliged both these families in this business very much; as both my
Lady, and Sir G. Carteret and his Lady do confess exceedingly, and the
latter do also now call me cozen, which I am glad of. So God preserve us
all friends long, and continue health among us.