The last days of carnival are at hand - grand Festa di ballo tonight at the La Scala. Dined at the Restaurateur del Marino and thence in company with two french gentlemen Mons Crosnier of Lyons & Mons Renay of Calais repaired to the little theatre del Gerolarao (des Marionettes).

Crowded as all the theatres at Milan are and which my guide book says should be seen once. Was not disappointed as the puppets in the Qazza Ladia were played well and the diminutive scenes admirably painted. The audience mostly juvenile, appeared highly delighted. It is now 11 o clock at half past twelve, I leave my room for the festa at La Scala -