Chapter 47

Mr. Rogers and Mr. Luttrell--Society of Refined Englishmen--Mercurial Temperament of the French--Opposite Characters--M. Erard's Collection of Pictures--Antique _Bijouterie_--Lord Pembroke--The Duke of Hamilton--Dr. Parr--Reproof of the Duc de Blacas--Monsieur Mignet--His great Knowledge--A Clever Man--Influence of Conscience--Abilities of Lord Palmerston--Lord Castlereagh--His Uncle, the late Marquess of Londonderry--Dangers of Fashion--Mr. Cutlar Fergusson--The Baron and Baroness de Ruysch--A Mind at Ease--Dreary Weather--Sad State of the Streets--Fogs--Fascination of Madame Grassini--Sledge Party--Sledge of the Duc de Guiche--That of Comte d'Orsay--Picturesque Night Scene--Revival of an Old Fashion--The Prince Polignac--His Amiable Manners--His Difficult Position, 242.