time too, at which this attention towards us was elicited, happened to be unfortunate, if the term can properly be used in reference to a trifle, for we also had been betrayed into a breach of etiquette. The import of "gloves-gloves," whispered to us by one of the gentlemen in waiting, was at once understood. In the surprise and pleasure of meeting Sir Robert, we had omitted to draw the glove on the left hand, as we entered; and, it is not etiquette, at St. James's at least, as 1 recollect long since to have been told, for the hands, more than the head, to be covered in the royal presence.

After the presentation the day preceding, we now merely bowed to the king, and passed slowly onward to the throne end of the room. The coup d'ail here, presented an imposing and beautiful sight. The queen stood in front of the throne, on the side next the windows, with the Princess Augusta, and the Duchesses of Cumberland and Kent on her left, and the ladies of the ambassadors, and others of the entrée circle grouped near; while, on the steps of the throne behind, were the ladies of the household, the Marchionesses of Westmeath and Wellesley, the Countess of Brownlow, &c. on one side, and the maids of honour, Miss Paget, Miss De Roos, Miss Bagot, &c. on the other.

The queen is tall and slender in figure, and not handsome in face; though the expression of her countenance is that of amiability, blended with intelligence and decision of character. It is said, that she has felt very sensibly, the political agitations of

the country; and the loss, in a degree, of the grea popularity which attended, and for some time fo lowed, the accession of her husband to the thron My sympathies were also excited for her in anoth respect. She has the reputation of being most kin in her domestic and social affections; and a favou ite niece, the Princess Louisa, of one of the Germa states, is now on a death-bed, at Windsor. T queen is unremitted in her personal attentions to he and, I was told, had passed a principal part of t night previous, in the chamber of suffering and dea before starting for London to hold the Drawing-roo She seemed already fatigued, and weary with t ceremony, only then just commencing; and, doubt, would gladly have escaped altogether its i some forms. Her dress was silver and white, w a train of the same; a diadem of diamonds, s mounted by plumes, and ornaments for the ears a neck, of corresponding magnificence.

She received us courteously, on our presentat by Mr. Vail, asking us two or three questions eac how long since we had arrived, whether we inten travelling in company, &c. &c. till, with a b we made way for those behind; and gradually treated, with our faces towards the court, to the a

room.

All the privileged number had not yet entered. was not for a half hour yet, that the doors of the loon were thrown open, and the general comp amounting to some five or six hundred commen what is humourously called by some of the diplo

GENERAL COMPANY.

125

tists, "the long run." A green cord, on light supporters, is extended around the walls of the first room, allowing two or three only to walk abreast of each other; and in this manner they enter the ante-room, and slowly pass in a line to the door of the thronechamber. The procession necessarily moves very slowly; and, by taking a station near, we had a full opportunity of surveying at leisure, all the beauty and fashion, as well as the rank of the kingdom. Count Danniskiold, Captain Bouchier, and others of our acquaintance, were very kind, in pointing out to us the most celebrated of the haut ton: thus giving an identity,

"A habitation and a name,”

to observations, which otherwise would have been like "an airy vision" and a dream.

The variety, taste and splendour of dress, and the shades of beauty and character passing before us in this review of two hours was bewildering. And, long before it closed, the whole suite of apartments presented, in the groupings of those who had made their congè to the throne, a scene of brilliance-exhibiting every character of naval, military, court and professional dress-which needed only the effect of candlelight poured from the chandeliers above, and from the lustres and candalabra around, to make it all that imagination has sketched of the splendour of one of the first courts in Christendom.

It was near four o'clock, before we attempted make our way out; and then, accomplished it slow through a double row of ladies, waiting, in the p ture gallery and guard-room, the usual announ ment, "the carriage of Lady so-and-so stops way."

LORD BYRON.

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LETTER XIV.

AN EVENING AND A MORNING VISIT.

Lord and Lady Byron-Autograph of the poet-The Adam family of Marshgate-Reminiscences of 1826-Workmen and sick Gardener-John Urquhart and John Adam-Interview with the Bishop of Calcutta.

DEAR VIRGINIA,

Piazza Coffee-House, London,
June 16th, 1832.

You are not ignorant of the circumstances, under which I became acquainted at the Sandwich Islands with the present Lord Byron, nor of the interest and attachment with which I have long regarded him.

Letters, in greater or less frequency, have been interchanged by us for several years. The last addressed to me bears date only a short time since-its departure for the United States having been anticipated by my arrival here. Though unadvised of any intention on my part of crossing the Atlantic, his Lordship, in it, kindly gives an assurance of the pleasure it would afford him to welcome me in England; and early after reaching the metropolis, 1 left my card with a note, at his residence in Eaton Place, to inform him of my unexpected arrival.

He is one of the gentlemen of the Queen's household; but, not being at present on duty, had left the city for a day or two, and was not at the palace yesterday. A note from the country apprized