I was, however, at no loss for
conversation, Madame de Pinto being very polite, and the foreign
ministers being the most of them present, who had dined with us, and to
whom I had been early introduced. It being Sunday evening, I declined
playing cards; indeed, I always get excused when I can. And Heaven
forbid I should

"Catch the manners living as they rise."

Yet I must submit to a party or two of this kind. Having attended
several, I must return the compliment in the same way. Yesterday we
dined at Mrs. Paradice's. I refer you to Mr. Storer for an account of
this family. Mr. Jefferson, Colonel Smith, the Prussian and Venetian
ministers, were of the company, and several other persons who were
strangers. At eight o'clock we returned home in order to dress ourselves
for the ball at the French Ambassador's, to which we had received an
invitation a fortnight before. He has been absent ever since our arrival
here, till three weeks ago. He has a levee every Sunday evening, at
which there are usually several hundred persons. The Hotel de France is
beautifully situated, fronting St. James's Park, one end of the house
standing upon Hyde Park. It is a most superb building. About half-past
nine we went, and found some company collected. Many very brilliant
ladies of the first distinction were present. The dancing commenced
about ten, and the rooms soon filled. The room which he had built for
this purpose is large enough for five or six hundred persons. It is most
elegantly decorated, hung with a gold tissue, ornamented with twelve
brilliant cut lustres, each containing twenty-four candles. At one end
there are two large arches; these were adorned with wreaths and bunches
of artificial flowers upon the walls; in the alcoves were cornucopiae
loaded with oranges, sweetmeats, and other trifles. Coffee, tea,
lemonade, orgeat, and so forth, were taken here by every person who
chose to go for them. There were covered seats all around the room for
those who chose to dance. In the other rooms, card tables, and a large
faro table, were set; this is a new kind of game, which is much
practiced here. Many of the company who did not dance retired here to
amuse themselves. The whole style of the house and furniture is such as
becomes the ambassador from one of the first monarchies in Europe. He
had twenty thousand guineas allowed him in the first instance to furnish
his house, and an annual salary of ten thousand more. He has agreeably