24 August 1863 – 30 August 1863

Came to Freshwater and walked with Mrs. Clough and Mrs. Coltman on Afton Down ; slept at the Albion Hotel, amid a noise of waves. The Landlady a big dreadful woman with fiery face. Next morning breakfasted at Mrs. Clough's. They all went to Church. I was left at home with Clough's letters and American diary, which or a selection from them Mrs. C. thinks of publishing. After an early dinner, we walked to Farringford and found that the family were expected in about ten days. Mr. Tennyson was ill (the woman said), and coming to London from Harrogate. Mrs. Clough being an intimate, we were admitted to the living rooms, and saw plenty of books on shelves and tables, including numerous presentation volumes of poetry, and the new magazines — among which I noted with some satisfaction Fraser with the new chapter of Laurence Bloomfield (so lately teasing me in MS.).