n; an oblong
interior of fifty-five feet in length, the decoration chaste and
classical in the extreme, being simply white and gold, the enriched
cornice being supported by columns and pilasters, and the whole
decoration uniting coolness with simplicity. The passages to some of
the minor apartments are unique in their style of embellishment, which
appears to be of polished white marble, but is, in fact, nothing but a
superior Dutch tile, cemented smoothly, in plaster of Paris, and highly
varnished. There are many other private and anterooms to the west of
the Chinese gallery, the decorations of which are more simple, but in
a corresponding style. We had now arrived at the _Yellow Room (see
Plate_), where we understood his Majesty would receive his evening
party.

[Illustration: page296]

The apartment is fifty-six feet in length, by twenty in breadth, and is
hung round with a rich fluted drapery of yellow satin, suspended from
the ceiling, and representing a magnificent Chinese tent, from the
centre of which hangs a chandelier of ~237~~the most splendid design,
the light of which is diffused through painted glasses, resembling
in shape and colour every variety of the tulip, exciting the greatest
admiration. The chimney-piece is Chinese, the stove formed by _chimera_
chased in _or molu_, the figures above being models or automatons,
of nearly the size of life, dressed in splendid costume, occasionally
moving their heads and arms. The furniture of the room is of a similar
character to those already described, except the seats, which are
ottomans of yellow velvet, the window draperies being of the same
splendid material. It was in this truly royal apartment we had the
honour of waiting the approach of his Majesty, who entered, at about a
quarter before ten, apparently in the enjoyment of the most excellent
health and highest spirits. He was preceded by Sir A. F. Barnard and
Lord Francis Conyngham, the grooms in waiting, and entered with the
Princess Augusta leaning on his arm, the left of her royal highness
being supported by the Duke of York; the Marquis of Conyngham followed,
leading in his Marchioness; and the beautiful and accomplished Lady
Elizabeth honoured Sir William Knighton as her conductor. The old Earl
of Arran came hobbling on his crutches, dreadfully afflicted with
the gout. Sir C. Paget, that merry son of Neptune, with Sir E. Nagle,
followed; the rear being brought up by the fascinating Countess of
Warwic