A lovely morning as we prepared to take our departure from this place and from the kindest and best friends we have had in this island. Throughout these autumn visits, which I cannot but regard as probably among my last, we have been favored in a high degree in weather, and in the more social and personal relations in which we have been received. Heretofore the forms of London life and the consideration due to my official position have prevailed much too strongly for my taste. All this is now pretty much over. My work is done and I am looking for a release either by compulsion or by consent on the party of the government. Thus this is rather in the nature of a leavetaking, not painful133 yet not without a shade of sadness. We drove to Apperley Bridge and there took the regular train to London. The only incident was the delay which brought us to King’s cross nearly an hour behind time. It is quite clear that no dependence can be placed on the punctuality of the trains. As a consequence, my arranged was entirely spoiled. The carriage was however in readiness and we got home safe to a late dinner at Ealing.