I had thought of going to Vienna and had told several friends as much, but I have changed my mind. On mature reflection I have realised that there must be more than music to a place for it to be worth visiting. In any case I intend to start preparations for the yachting season next week. The anticipation of time on the water is invigorating and how much more I will enjoy it now that I am quite free of domestic responsibilities.
This morning I spent an hour or so with John Lloyd Stevens as he set out on his journey to Central America. He writes well and would I think have been a highly agreeable travelling companion. Like many Americans in my experience he has an unfortunate attitude of superiority to black people; even when he admits that they display civilised qualities and manners he adopts a tone which suggests they are still not quite up to the standards of a white person. Skin colour was, and remains, a matter of great significance for Americans. I wonder if his attitude will moderate at all as his adventure proceeds?My play "The Love Match" is the greatest failure that ever was. The first night audience received the last two acts in silence; the whole of the press was frankly hostile, and th public is sedulously staying away. The financial loss is running at about £100 a night and the play is to be withdrawn at once. This beats my previous record for shortness of run which was 36 nights.
On the plus side Cassells have informed me that they are enthusiastic about my new novel "Lilian" but wish me to modify two sentences in it for serial use:
a) 'I am going to have a baby'
b) 'I am seven months gone'.
What a world! Shall I stand on principle and refuse? No, I will take the money.
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