is the most showy part of the dress, covered and drawn up in what are called festoons, with light wreaths of beautiful flowers; the sleeves white crape, drawn over the silk, with a row of lace round the sleeve near the shoulder, another half-way down the arm, and a third upon the top of the ruffle, a little flower stuck between; a kind of hat-cap, with three large feathers and a bunch of flowers; a wreath of flowers upon the hair.  Thus equipped, we go in our own carriage, and Mr. Adams and Colonel Smith in his.  But I must quit my pen to put myself in order for the ceremony, which begins at two o’clock.  When I return, I will relate to you my reception; but do not let it circulate, as there may be persons eager to catch at everything, and as much given to misrepresentation as here.  I would gladly be excused the ceremony.

FRIDAY MORNING.

Congratulate me, my dear sister:  it is over.  I was too much fatigued to write a line last evening.  At two o’clock we went to the circle, which is in the drawing-room of the Queen.  We passed through several apartments, lined as usual with spectators upon these occasions.  Upon entering the ante-chamber, the Baron de Lynden, the Dutch Minister, who has been often here, came and spoke with me.  A Count Sarsfield, a French nobleman, with whom I was acquainted, paid his compliments.  As I passed into the drawing-room, Lord Carmarthen and Sir Clement Cotterel Dormer were presented to me.  Though they had been several times here, I had never seen them before.  The Swedish and the Polish Ministers made their compliments, and several other gentlemen; but not a single lady did I know until the Countess of Effingham came, who was very civil.  There were three young ladies, daughters of the Marquis of Lothian, who were to be presented at the same time, and two brides.  We were placed in a circle round the drawing-room, which was very full; I believe two hundred persons present.  Only think of the task!  The royal family have to go round to every person and find small talk enough to speak to them all, though they very prudently speak in a whisper, so that only the person who stands next to you can hear what is said.  The King enters the room and goes round to the right; the Queen and Princesses to the left.  The lord-in-waiting presents you to the King; and the lady-in-waiting does the same to her Majesty.  The King is a personable man; but, my dear sister, he has a certain countenance, which you and I have often remarked:  a red face and white eyebrows.  The Queen has a similar countenance, and the numerous royal family confirm the observation.  Persons are not placed according to their rank in the drawing-room, but promiscuously; and when the King comes in, he takes persons as they stand.  When he came to me, Lord Onslow said, “Mrs. Adams;” upon which I drew off my right-hand glove, and his Majesty saluted my left cheek; then asked me if I had taken a walk to-day.  I could have told his