from me, drop me a line to that
effect.

Ever yours (and the same),
FANNY.

[Circumstances occurred which induced us to change our plans, and I
did go to the _fete_ at Apsley House, which was very beautiful and
magnificent. A pleasant incident of the evening was a special
introduction to and a few minutes' conversation with our illustrious
host; and the pleasantest of all, I am almost ashamed to say, was
the memorable appearance of Lady Douro and Mademoiselle d'Este, who,
coming into the room together, produced a most striking effect by
their great beauty and their exquisite dress. They both wore
magnificent dresses of white lace over white satin, ornamented with
large cactus flowers, those of the blonde marchioness being of the
sea-shell rose color, and the dark Mademoiselle d'Este's of the deep
scarlet; and in the bottom of each of these large, vivid blossoms
lay, like a great drop of dew, a single splendid diamond. The women
were noble samples of fair and dark beauty, and their whole
appearance, coming in together, attired with such elegant and
becoming magnificent simplicity, produced an effect of surprise and
admiration on the whole brilliant assembly.]

HARLEY STREET, February 4th, 1842.
MY DEAREST HARRIET,

At twelve o'clock to-day I rang for candles, in order that the fog might
not prevent my answering your letter. I was obliged to go out, however,
and the skies in the interim have cleared; and where do you think I have
been? Why, like a fool as I am, to _see a sight_, and I am well paid by
feeling so tired, and having such a headache, and having had such a
fright, that--it serves me right.

Our dear friend Harness has, as perhaps you know, an office which Lord
Lansdowne gave him, by virtue of which he occupies a very pleasant
apartment in the Council Office Building, the windows of which look out
on Whitehall. Here he begged me to come and bring the children, that we
might see the Queen, and the King of Prussia, and all the great folks,
go to the opening of Parliament, and in an evil hour I consented,
Harness informing me at what hour to come, and what way to take to avoid
the crowd. But the carriage was ordered half an hour later than we ought
to have started, and the coachman was ordered to take us down