30 March

Thursday 30.^th Called at 12. and at last was fortunate

enough to find dearest M. by herself – but only for ten –

minutes. This, however, was enough to kiss her a hundred

times, — in short – to be happy! I remained with them till

4 oC. M. goes to the Ball at ten oC. where I am to meet her.

By that time^hour I was dressed, & drove in a Fly to the to Old Ship,

& just arrived in time to meet Dear M. & the Rooks enter^~g

the Ball-room. Dear M. immediately took my arm, which

she never left the remainder of the evening,– except when

we changed partners once, for the sake of _^^my dancing with

Miss Rook, & then dear M. dancing^ed with a Lieut. of

the Navy, named Hamilton, whom we had all formerly

known at Portsmouth when a midⁿ. I was completely happy

to-night. Dearest M. was the whole world to me– & all her

thoughts & wishes were confided to my bosom. Her shoe

burst, & we were obliged to go the ladies’ dressing

room, to repair it – where she again permitted me to press

her lips to mine,– looking as lovely as an angel. Valeant

qui inter nos discidium volunt! – She says her

Mama still forbids her writing _^^{to me} – but shd^should any change

in her sentiments take place – she will instantly write to me.

oh, Mary – this Evening ###^is worth all the fatigue I ^have###