19 October 1868 – 25 October 1868

Cross to Yarmouth. We find the Tennyson carriage at Miss Thackeray's ; Mrs. T. asks the ladies, ' Will you take compassion on him ^ ' that is, allow A. T. to walk with them ; and they do consent. A. T, comes accordingly, and we walk off (Mrs. R., Miss Augusta, Miss Emily, Nellie, Miss Annie Prinsep, A. T., and W. A.) down old road, by Afton Park fence, field-path through turnips to Afton Down, see the barrows (ancient burial mounds), cross the rough new military road, and by path to shore ; geology — Wealden ; so on to Brook Point and the fossil trees. T. (enjoying the girls' company) says : ' If I could take a walk like this every day I shouldn't be tired of Freshwater.' I mentioning Yarmouth, he turns quickly on me : * A rhyme to Yarmouth } quick, quick ! mustn't think ! ' ' Charmouth ' the only perfect rhyme that occurred. On the rocks an unknown demoiselle, to whom A. T. ofi^ers his hand to help her over some slight difficulty. She did not seem to know who he was.

Lymington. Walk to Setley, and find gypsies encamped. Coming back I overtake a little girl carrying with difficulty two bags of sand, and just as I am asking how far she is going, up drives Rev. P. F. in his gig, who offers me a lift. I say, ' Help this little girl with her two heavy bags,' upon which his Reverence reddens and drives off. I carry one of the bags.