He is feeling a bit down "the blue devils" and has a crush on an lady, originally from Greece, resident in Rome. But it is the casting his figure and shipping it to London that is depressing him, he will have to return early as the expense is too much.
Mrs. Overend is doing all she can to make him known, but he won't go to Naples with the family. Rome is about to go into Carnival, the
Pope has banned masking in the street for fear of revolution. Robbery and murder is rife, not surprising as there is no Police. A country famine has forced people into the city. Even
Gibson, a resident of twnety years, won't go out after dark.
16th February - An account of the festivities of Carnival, reduced this year because of government fears of violence. He describes the "stupid" horse races and indulges in some anti-semitic abuse. Continues to discuss the likely of popular revolt in Rome, the Pope "is a drunken old fellow". He has climbed St. Peter's with Mr. & Mrs. Day, describes the view and is still astonished at its sheer size.
2nd March - Discusses his travel plans, Naples then back to London in November, via Florence, Venice, Milan and Geneva. He is doing nothing but sketching, hopes to study in the Vatican, but thinks the Rome exhibition a very poor thing.
Lauder is the best portrait painter in Rome. All the English tourists will leave Rome after Holy Week, Rome is a dull place.
3rd March - His mood has changed and he will start modelling another figure, "Hebe, rejected". He will cut it in marble, "marble is so much more noticed in Exhibitions".