[384] and other people, whose word in such a matter is law here. . . . . She was very neatly and simply dressed in pink, and looked uncommonly pretty. I found she knew a good many people,—old Lady Morley, the Cardwells, etc. But I took her and presented her to the Heads, the Bishop of London and Mrs. Tait, Lord and Lady Palmerston, Sir H. Holland, and sundry others. She pleased. Her statue was much praised. She was very happy, and I enjoyed it a good deal. When Lord and Lady Palmerston were looking at the Cenci, and expressing great admiration, Eastlake touched my arm, and whispered, so that they could hear it, ‘Everybody says the same sort of things. It is really a beautiful work of art, and, for one of her age, quite wonderful.’ July 30.—I took Chorley1 this morning at ten, and—with Lord Holland's leave-carried him to Holland House, where he wanted to see some of the curious Spanish books. Lord Holland, in his dressing-gown, was ready to receive us, and laid out what we wanted to see, both printed and manuscript, in the kindest and most painstaking manner. We worked there three hours, and I found a good deal that I was glad to get, and so did he . . . . I dined at the Athenaeum, where I found Merivale and Whewell, and so had a very good time. Whewell grows squarer and more Bishop-like than ever. . . . . July 31.—A busy day, and a long one. At half past 8 I was at Mr. Bates's, and at half past 9 had settled everything with him. . . . . I breakfasted with the Heads, and had a most agreeable time. There are no pleasanter people in London, and I stayed late talking in consequence . . . . . I drove to the Thuns'. Count Frederic was at home, his sister soon followed, and then his charming, bright wife. Mrs. Austin, too, came in, and immediately announced to me that she had just left a card for me, having called to invite me to Weybridge, an honor and pleasure I was obliged to decline. She talked very well about India, the great subject now, and I should be glad to talk more with her about anything, for she has great resources. An hour with them all passed very quickly and pleasantly. When I came away the Countess Josephine sent her affectionate regards to you and Anna, and the Countess Frederic sent her love to Anna, and her regrets that she had not seen you. She is really one of the most attractive persons I have ever met. Count Fritz desired his respects to you, and seemed to have a very lively recollection of his visit to us in Milan. I was very sorry to part from them.
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Boston, J. R. Osgood and company, 1876.
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