The Diary Of John Evelyn Vol-2

DIARY OF SAYES COURT

acknowledged made an impression on her spirits, There
were four gentlemen of quality offering to treat with me
about marriage, and I freely gave her her own choice,
knowing her discretion. She showed great indifference
to marrying at all, for truly, says she to her mother
(the other day), were I assured of your life and my dear
father's, never would I part from you; I love you and
this home, where we serve God, above all things, nor
ever shall I be so happy; I know and consider the vicis-
situdes of the world, I have some experience of its vani-
ties, and but for decency more than inclination, and that
you judge it expedient for me, I would not change my
condition, but rather add the fortune you design me to
my sisters, and keep up the reputation of our family.
This was so discreetly and sincerely uttered that it could
not but proceed from an extraordinary child, and one
who loved her parents beyond example.

At London, she took this fatal disease, and the occasion
of her "being there was this: my Lord Viscount Falk-
land's Lady having been our neighbor (as he was Treas-
urer of the Navy), she took so great an affection to my
daughter, that when they went back in the autumn to
the city, nothing would satisfy their incessant importu-
nity but letting her accompany my Lady, and staying
some time with her; it was with the greatest reluctance I
complied. While she was there, my Lord being musical,
when I saw my Lady would not part with her till Christ-
mas,' I was not unwilling she should improve the oppor-
tunity of learning of Signor Pietro, who had an admirable
way both of composure and teaching. It was the end of
February before I could prevail with my , Lady to part
with her; but my Lord going into Oxfordshire to stand
for Knight of the Shire there, she expressed her wish to
come home, being tired of the vain and empty conversa-
tion of the town, the theaters, the court, and trifling
visits which consumed so much precious time, and made
her sometimes miss of that regular course of piety that
gave her the greatest satisfaction. She was weary of
this life, and I think went not thrice to Court all this
time, except when her mother or I carried her. She did
not affect showing herself, she knew the Court well, and
passed one summer in it at Windsor with Lady Tuke,
one of the Queen's women of the bedchamber (a mostr childwere sick, so as she was exceedingly beloved ofe of James II.,»