You understand? The 'fearing a famine' is applied to people
gulping down solid vivers without a word, as if the ten lean kine
began to-morrow.

Do you remember condemning something of mine for being too
obtrusively didactic. Listen to Herbert -


'Is it not verse except enchanted groves
And sudden arbours shadow coarse-spun lines?
Must purling streams refresh a lover's loves?
MUST ALL BE VEILED, WHILE HE THAT READS DIVINES
CATCHING THE SENSE AT TWO REMOVES?'


You see, 'except' was used for 'unless' before 1630.


TUESDAY. - The riots were a hum. No more has been heard; and one
of the war-steamers has deserted in disgust.

The MOONSTONE is frightfully interesting: isn't the detective
prime? Don't say anything about the plot; for I have only read on
to the end of Betteredge's narrative, so don't know anything about
it yet.

I thought to have gone on to Thurso to-night, but the coach was
full; so I go to-morrow instead.

To-day I had a grouse: great glorification.