ulder, another half-way down the arm, and a third upon the
top of the ruffle, a little flower stuck between; a kind of hat-cap,
with three large feathers and a bunch of flowers; a wreath of flowers
upon the hair. Thus equipped, we go in our own carriage, and Mr. Adams
and Colonel Smith in his. But I must quit my pen to put myself in order
for the ceremony, which begins at two o'clock. When I return, I will
relate to you my reception; but do not let it circulate, as there may be
persons eager to catch at everything, and as much given to
misrepresentation as here. I would gladly be excused the ceremony.

FRIDAY MORNING.

Congratulate me, my dear sister: it is over. I was too much fatigued to
write a line last evening. At two o'clock we went to the circle, which
is in the drawing-room of the Queen. We passed through several
apartments, lined as usual with spectators upon these occasions. Upon
entering the ante-chamber, the Baron de Lynden, the Dutch Minister, who
has been often here, came and spoke with me. A Count Sarsfield, a French
nobleman, with whom I was acquainted, paid his compliments. As I passed
into the drawing-room, Lord Carmarthen and Sir Clement Cotterel Dormer
were presented to me. Though they had been several times here, I had
never seen them before. The Swedish and the Polish Ministers made their
compliments, and several other gentlemen; but not a single lady did I
know until the Countess of Effingham came, who was very civil. There
were three young ladies, daughters of the Marquis of Lothian, who were
to be presented at the same time, and two brides. We were placed in a
circle round the drawing-room, which was very full; I believe two
hundred persons present. Only think of the task! The royal family have
to go round to every person and find small talk enough to speak to them
all, though they very prudently speak in a whisper, so that only the
person who stands next to you can hear what is said. The King enters the
room and goes round to the right; the Queen and Princesses to the left.
The lord-in-waiting presents you to the King; and the lady-in-waiting
does the same to her Majesty. The King is a personable man; but, my dear
sister, he has a certain countenance, which you and I have often
remarked: a red face and white eyebrows. The Queen has a similar
countenance, and the numerous royal family confirm the observation.
Persons are not placed according to their rank in the drawing-room, but
promiscuousl