Our long day was Friday, the opening of the budget. mr.  Grenville spoke for two hours and forty minutes; much of it well, but too long, too many repetitions, and too evident marks of being galled by reports, which he answered with more art than sincerity.  There were a few more speeches, till nine o’clock, but no division.  Our armistice, you see, continues.  Lord Bute is, I believe, negotiating with both sides; I know he is with the opposition, and has a prospect of making very good terms for himself, for patriots seldom have the gift of perseverance.  It is wonderful how soon their virtue thaws!

Last Thursday, the Duchess of Queensbury(534) gave a ball, opened it herself with a minuet, and danced two country dances; as she had enjoined every body to be with her by six, to sup at twelve, and go away directly.  Of the Campbell-sisters, all were left out but, Lady Strafford,(535) Lady Rockingham and Lady Sondes, who, having had colds, deferred sending answers, received notice that their places were filled up, and that they must not come; but were pardoned on submission.  A card was sent to invite Lord and Lady Cardigan, and Lord Beaulieu instead of Lord Montagu.(536) This, her grace protested, was by accident.  Lady Cardigan was very angry, and yet went.  Except these flights, the only extraordinary thing the Duchess did, was to do nothing extraordinary, for I do not call it very mad that some pique happening between her and the Duchess of Bedford, the latter had this distich sent to her—­

Come with a whistle, and come with a call,
Come with a good will, or come not at all.

I do not know whether what I am going to tell you did not border a little upon Moorfields.(537) The gallery where they danced was very cold.  Lord Lorn,(538) George Selwyn, and I, retired into a little room, and sat (Comfortably by the fire.  The Duchess looked in, said nothing, and sent a smith to take the hinges of the door off We understood the hint, and left the room, and so did the smith the door.  This was pretty legible.

My niece Waldegrave talks of accompanying me to Paris, but ten or twelve weeks may make great alteration in a handsome young widow’s plan:  I even think I see Some(539) who will—­not forbid banns, but propose them.  Indeed, I am almost afraid of coming to you myself.  The air of Paris works such miracles, that it is not safe to trust oneself there.  I hear of nothing but my Lady Hertford’s rakery, and Mr. Wilkes’s religious deportment, and constant attendance at your chapel.  Lady Anne,(540) I conclude, chatters as fast as my Lady Essex(541) and her four daughters.