Yet the "Journals of the Right Honourable William Windham," some time Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, and afterwards Colonial Secretary, tell of his frequent visits to the pit of Covent Garden.

Nor does he "drop into" the theatre, after dining at his club, as even a bachelor of fashion might do without exciting surprise.

Playgoing is not an idle matter to him.

And he is accompanied by ladies of distinction, his relatives and others.

"Went about half-past five to the pit," he records; "sat by Miss Kemble, Steevens, Mrs.Burke, and Miss Palmer," the lady last named being the niece of Sir Joshua Reynolds, who afterwards married Lord Inchiquin.