refused the collar; I believe there was a sore
shoulder to irritate. Eliza was frightened and we
got out, and were detained in the evening air
several minutes. The cold is in her chest, but she
takes care of herself, and I hope it may not last
long.

This engagement prevented Mr. Walter's staying
late--he had his coffee and went away. Eliza
enjoyed her evening very much, and means to
cultivate the acquaintance; and I see nothing to
dislike in them but their taking quantities of
snuff. Monsieur, the old Count, is a very
fine-looking man, with quiet manners, good enough
for an Englishman, and, I believe, is a man of
great information and taste. He has some fine
paintings, which delighted Henry as much as the
son's music gratified Eliza; and among them a
miniature of Philip V. of Spain, Louis XIV.'s
grandson, which exactly suited _my_ capacity.
Count Julien's performance is very wonderful.

We met only Mrs. Latouche and Miss East, and we
are just now engaged to spend next Sunday evening
at Mrs. L.'s, and to meet the D'Antraigues, but M.
le Comte must do without Henry. If he would but
speak English, _I_ would take to him.

Sloane Street: [Tuesday, April 30, 1811].

My head-dress was a bugle-band like the border to
my gown, and a flower of Mrs. Tilson's. I depended
upon hearing something of the evening from Mr. W.
K[natchbull], and am very well satisfied with his
notice of me--'A pleasing-looking young
woman'--that must do; one cannot pretend to
anything better now; thankful to have it continued
a few years longer!

* * * * *

We have tried to get _Self-Control_,[228] but in
vain. I _should_ like to know what her estimate
is, but am always half afraid of finding a clever
novel _too clever_, and of finding my own story
and my own people all forestalled.

* * * * *

I forgot to tell you in my last that our cousin,
Miss Payne,[2] called in on Saturday, and was
persuaded to stay dinner. She told us a great deal
about her friend