Quite cold again but fine and clear. The site of New Lodge is high and overlook a wide extent of pretty country. The edifice is newly built by Mr Bates for his daughter, and he is gradually buying up the vicinity to make a great estate for the ultimate establishment of the grandson Victor as an English nobleman. In the mean time M Van de Weyer is enjoying the usafruct as the diplomatic representation of Leopold of Belgium, and the confidential friend at Court. Thus a plain and honest American plebeian from my neighboring town of Weymouth, and the son of a small shopkeeper in Belgium are uniting to found a high family among the242 aristocracy of this most aristocratic island. Of their ultimate success there can be no doubt, provided the scein prove strong enough to support the weight. But the ancestors look to me as the best of the stock. M Van de Weyer has been shrewd as well as fortunate. He has capacity and learning, industry and experience. His active life is nearly over, but he has in the developement of this charming spot enough to amuse and interest him after his public duties cease. His library is also a treasure beyond price. There was to have been a meet here for the hounds, as young Victor is a huntsman. I should like to have seen it as a prize English scene. But the front had been such the scent would not lie, and it was put off. We sauntered about the grounds instead. As yet they are quite rough, but time and money will work wonders. After luncheon a party was made up to go and see Virginia Water. They young Van de Weyers with their sister Miss Victoria went on horseback with my daughter in company, whilst Mrs Milman, my Wife and I went in an open carriage with Madame. We drove through the private ways of Windsor Forest over the turf roads which are used only by the royal family and their especial favorites. We stopped at the Chinese house, but could not get in as the tenant, Mr Whiting was absent. It was cold and the ice was forming on the water. The drive was however very pleasant, and we got home shortly after sunset. Besides our party, which with the exception of Mr Whynne continued the same, there came at dinner a Colonel Cyre, Mr and Mrs Gunfill, and a Mr Chaplin. In the evening the young people played at Vingt un.