Jula Ward Howe, Reminiscences: 1819-1899

[102] this lady was the most obliging of artists. I afterwards heard her in ‘Linda di Chamounix,’ which was then in its first favor. The concert ended with the prayer from Rossini's ‘Mose in Egitto,’ sung by the artists already named with the addition of the great Lablache.

At the conclusion of it we adjourned to the supper-room, which afforded us a better opportunity of observing the distinguished company. My husband was presently engaged in conversation with the Hon. Mrs. Norton, who was then very handsome. Her hair, which was decidedly black, was arranged in flat bandeaux, according to the fashion of the time. A diamond chain, formed of large links, encircled her fine head. Her eyes were dark and full of expression. Her dress was unusually decolletee, but most of the ladies present would in America have been considered extreme in this respect. Court mourning had recently been ordered for the Duke of Sussex, uncle to the Queen, and many black dresses were worn. My memory, nevertheless, tells me that the great Duchess of Sutherland wore a dress of pink moire, and that her head was adorned with a wreath of velvet leaves interspersed with diamonds. Her brother, Lord Morpeth, was also present. I heard a lady say to him, ‘Are you worthy of music?’ He replied, ‘Oh, yes; very worthy.’ I heard the same