was resolved that the Italian party should be
given.

All the best families in Rome were present, and not a single English
person. There were some perhaps, whom Lord Montfort might have wished
to invite, but Miss Temple had chanced to express a wish that no English
might be there, and he instantly acted upon her suggestion.

The palace was magnificently illuminated. Henrietta had scarcely seen
before its splendid treasures of art. Lord Montfort, in answer to her
curiosity, had always playfully depreciated them, and said that they
must be left for rainy days. The most splendid pictures and long rows
of graceful or solemn statues were suddenly revealed to her; rooms and
galleries were opened that had never been observed before; on all sides
cabinets of vases, groups of imperial busts, rare bronzes, and vivid
masses of tesselated pavement. Over all these choice and beautiful
objects a clear yet soft light was diffused, and Henrietta never
recollected a spectacle more complete and effective.

These rooms and galleries were soon filled with guests, and Henrietta
could not be insensible to the graceful and engaging dignity with which
Lord Montfort received the Roman world of fashion. That constraint
which at first she had attributed to reserve, but which of late she
had ascribed to modesty, now entirely quitted him. Frank, yet always
dignified, smiling, apt, and ever felicitous, it seemed that he had a
pleasing word for every ear, and a particular smile for every face. She
stood at some distance leaning on her father's arm, and watching him.
Suddenly he turned and looked around. It was they whom he wished to
catch. He came up to Henrietta and said, 'I wish to introduce you to the
Princess------.

She is an old lady, but of the first distinction here. I would not ask
this favour of you unless I thought you would be pleased.'

Henrietta could not refuse his request. Lord Montfort presented her and
her father to the princess, the most agreeable and important person in
Rome; and having now provided for their immediate amusement, he had time
to attend to his guests in general. An admirable concert now, in
some degree, hushed the general conversation. The voices of the most
beautiful women in Rome echoed in those apartments. When the music
ceased, the guests wandered about the galleries, and at length the
principal saloons were filled with dancers. Lord Montfort approached
Miss Temple. 'There is one room in the palace you hav