Chapter 7

VIGNETTES OF LONDON LIFE 113

Byron's Grandson and Shelley's Son--The World of Balls--The "Great Houses," and Their New Rivals--The Latter Criticized by Some Ladies of the Old Noblesse--Types of More Serious Society--Lady Marian Alford and Others--_Salons_ Exclusive and Inclusive--A Clash of Two Rival Poets--The Poet Laureate--Auberon Herbert and the Simple Life--Dean Stanley--Whyte Melville--"Ouida"--"Violet Fane"--Catholic Society--Lord Bute--Banquet to Cardinal Manning--Difficulties of the Memoir-writer--Lord Wemyss and Lady P---- --Indiscretions of Augustus Hare--Routine of a London Day--The Author's Life Out of London