I always skip two or three days after sending off a letter and drop a stitch or so, which rather varies and improves the pattern. The s dined with us on Wednesday; Mr. went to join Sir H. Fane on his visit to Runjeet Singh, and is just returned. As he is not a ‘Company’s servant,’ he of course was allowed to take any present Runjeet gave him; and the agonies of the other ladies in Calcutta have been intense on hearing that he was bringing his wife a pair of massive bangles and two splendid shawls, besides other ornaments, from the King of Delhi.
I was quite disappointed yesterday when Mrs. sent me her presents to look at, that we might attest their magnificence was not appalling. Two old patched shawls and two bracelets, such as our ayahs wear. I am vexed that the envy of the others should be gratified, and that Mrs, , who is a very nice person and handsome, should not have what she liked.
Runjeet has sent us most pressing invitations by Mr. , with a promise to repeat all his festivities if we will go and see him; and I hope we may. We had tribes of visitors on Thursday morning. I cannot think how they can come out in the daytime during this month; and they all say it kills them, but still they come. The number makes very little difference to us, but we shut the gates now very precisely as the clock strikes one, as two hours of it are more than enough. We all came up by land in the afternoon to a very late dinner.
Mrs. has actively employed herself in raising subscriptions for adding glass windows to the church, and it is rather improved, but still it is a fearfully hot day, and I got the headache for the whole afternoon by going to church. It is a very mistaken piece of devotion at this time of year, or rather interferes with all other devotion.
We were an immense party on the road quite late at night, going down to Calcutta.