So
parted, and with much difficulty by candle-light walked over the
Matted Gallery, as it is now with the mats and boards all taken
up, so that we walked over the rafters. But strange to see how
hard matter the plaister of Paris is that is there taken up, as
hard as stone! And pity to see Holben's work in the ceiling
blotted on and only whited over! My wife this day with Hales, to
sit for her hand to be mended in her picture.
29th. Up, and all the morning at the office; where the Duke of
York's long letter was read to their great trouble, and their
suspecting me to have been the writer of it. And at noon comes
by appointment Harris to dine with me: and after dinner he and I
to Chyrurgeons'-hall, where they are building it new, very fine;
and there to see their theatre, which stood all the fire, and
(which was our business) their great picture of Holben's,
thinking to have bought it by the help of Mr. Pierce for a little
money: I did think to give 200l. for it, it being said to be
worth 1000l.; but it is so spoiled that I have no mind to it, and
is not a pleasant though a good picture.
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