or, who recommended their
presenting the petition either through Lord Bexley or Lord Holland; he
preferred the former, as the latter, he thought, would make some
sensation. When presented, he said, they would see how it was
received; if quietly, they could immediately bring in a Bill. In the
event of its occasioning any unpleasant feeling, they would not
attempt to advance farther that session, more particularly as the
public, and even the King himself, were not yet reconciled to the
measure in favour of the Catholics.

Mr Montefiore and Mr Rothschild afterwards spoke with Lord Bexley, and
explained their wishes to him. He appeared to be doubtful of their
obtaining all the privileges that year, but said he would speak to the
Chancellor, and see them again the following Thursday.

Mr Montefiore dined that day with Mrs Rothschild, at whose house he
met several political friends, as well as Mr I. L. Goldsmid, who told
him that Lord Auckland had requested the Marquis of Lansdowne to
introduce him (Mr Goldsmid) at the levee.

_Wednesday, April 29th._--He gives the following particulars of his
first presentation to the King:--

"At 1 P.M. Mr G. Blount, with his son and his nephew Sir Edward
Blount, Bart., came for me. I accompanied them to the levee. Our
carriage fell into the rank about the middle of Bond Street. It was
twenty minutes past two when we reached St James Palace. We entered
the first room, and gave a card to the page-in-waiting--'Mr
Montefiore, presented by the Duke of Norfolk.' There appeared to be
four or five hundred persons in the waiting-room, mostly naval and
military officers in full uniform, also many bishops, clergymen, and
barristers. The crush was most fatiguing and annoying. It was four
o'clock when we reached the second room. Here, as only a few were
admitted at a time, we were much more at our ease. In the third room
the King was seated about ten paces from the entrance, surrounded by,
or rather having on each side of him, his grand officers. Six or
seven persons entered at a time; those who had been introduced before
merely gave their cards to the lord-in-waiting, made their bow, and
passed on. When I reached His Majesty, I gave my card to the
lord-in-waiting, who was standing on his right hand, and who announced
in a distinct voice, 'Mr Montefiore, presented to your Majesty by the
Duke of Norfolk.' I thereupon bent my left knee to the ground. The
King very graciously smiled, and held out his