12 September 1887 – 18 September 1887

Start with H. for Aid- worth at noon in Toby-carriage, arrive about 1.15. Carriage passes us with Mr. Arthur Tennyson and wife. Luncheon. Arthur T. opposite me — hair bushy and still dark ? curiously like Alfred, but younger and slighter. Upstairs with Hallam and Arthur : they smoke. A.'s way of speaking thoroughly Tennysonian both in matter and manner — great love of natural beauty, naive and original opinions. Out with him and Mrs. Arthur, flower garden, walk, back-gate — to spring. Arthur praises warmly the beauty of Surrey, and of this place, but thinks a beautiful lonely place not best suited for some people to live in — is apt to make them dreamy and indolent. ' Don't you find this effect from living in beautiful lonely scenery .'' ' 'I have children to interest me.' ' Ah, yes, that makes a difference. I have not been granted any children,' At the spring (where Lord Egmont has had several conspicuous trees cut down, leaving a woful blank) we saw the three grandchildren, Alfred, Charley, and Michael ; Alfred leaping his pony over bars. A, and I turn back. We agree in disliking flesh- food and in wishing we had been brought up vege- tarians. ' We found the flesh-board provided (he said), and got used to it without thinking.' We meet Alfred and Mrs. Arthur, and turn. We go up the close-wooded valley till turned back by rain. Arthur is a couple of inches shorter than Alfred, and much narrower in the shoulders. He walks much, he tells me.