We dined at the Ambassador’s, where was a large party, Lord Morpeth, the Duke of Devonshire, and others—­all were very kind.  Pozzo di Borgo there, and disposed to be communicative.  A large soiree.  Home at eleven.  These hours are early, however.

November 6.—­Cooper came to breakfast, but we were obsedes partout.  Such a number of Frenchmen bounced in successively, and exploded, I mean discharged, their compliments, that I could hardly find an opportunity to speak a word, or entertain Mr. Cooper at all.  After this we sat again for our portraits.  Mad.  Mirbel took care not to have any one to divert my attention, but I contrived to amuse myself with some masons finishing a facade opposite to me, who placed their stones, not like Inigo Jones, but in the most lubberly way in the world, with the help of a large wheel, and the application of strength of hand.  John Smith of Darnick, and two of his men, would have done more with a block and pulley than the whole score of them.  The French seem far behind in machinery.—­We are almost eaten up with kindness, but that will have its end.  I have had to parry several presents of busts, and so forth.  The funny thing was the airs of my little friend.  We had a most affectionate parting—­wet, wet cheeks on the lady’s side.[395] The pebble-hearted cur shed as few tears as Crab of dogged memory.[396]

Went to Galignani’s, where the brothers, after some palaver, offered me L105 for the sheets of Napoleon, to be reprinted at Paris in English.  I told them I would think of it.  I suppose Treuttel and Wurtz had apprehended something of this kind, for they write me that they had made a bargain with my publisher (Cadell, I suppose) for the publishing of my book in all sorts of ways.  I must look into this.

Dined with Marshal Macdonald and a splendid party;[397] amongst others, Marshal Marmont—­middle size, stout-made, dark complexion, and looks sensible.  The French hate him much for his conduct in 1814, but it is only making him the scape-goat.  Also, I saw Mons. de Mole, but especially the Marquis de Lauriston, who received me most kindly.  He is personally like my cousin Colonel Russell.  I learned that his brother, Louis Law,[398] my old friend, was alive, and the father of a large family.  I was most kindly treated, and had my vanity much flattered by the men who had acted such important parts talking to me in the most frank manner.

In the evening to Princess Galitzin, where were a whole covey of Princesses of Russia arrayed in tartan! with music and singing to boot.  The person in whom I was most interested was Mad. de Boufflers,[399] upwards of eighty, very polite, very pleasant, and with all the agremens of a French Court lady of the time of Mad.  Sevigne, or of the correspondent rather of Horace Walpole.  Cooper was there, so the Scotch and American lions took the field together.—­Home, and settled our affairs to depart.