whole case over, I have no sort of doubt but the whole establishment must be completely settled by this time; or that, at most, if any, places are not fixed yet, It must be from the strength and variety of contending interests:  and, besides, the new Princess will have fewer of each class of attendants than a queen; and I shall not be surprised if there should already be a brouillerie between the two courts about some or many of the nominations:  and though the interest I thought of trying was the only one I could pitch upon, I do not, on reflection, suppose that a person just favoured has favour enough already to recommend others.  Hereafter that may be better:  and (” still more feasible method, I think, would be to obtain a promise against a vacancy; which, at this great open moment nobody will think of asking, when the present is so uppermost in their minds:  and now my head is cool, perhaps I could strike out more channels, should your sister be so inclined.  But of that we will talk when we meet.

Thursday.

I have received the second letter that I expected, and it makes me quite happy on all the points that disquieted me; on the court, on the tempest, and I hope on privateers, as you have so little time to stay on Ararat, and the winds that terrify me for you, will, I trust, be as formidable to them.  Above, all, I rejoice at your approaching return; on which I would not say a syllable seriously, not only because I would have you please yourselves, but that you may profit as much as possible by change of air.  I retract all my mistake; and though, perhaps, I may have floundered on with regard to A., still I have not time to correct or write any part of it over again.  Besides, every word was the truth of my heart; and why should not you see what is or was in it?  Adieu!

(891) This alludes to a wish he supposed Miss Berry to have had for a nomination in the household of Caroline Princess of Wales, then forming.-M.B.

(892) Lord Cholmondeley, then residing in the Isle of Thanet.

Letter 417To The Miss Berrys.  October 17, 1794. (page 563)

I had not the least doubt of Mr. Barrett’s showing you the greatest attention:  he is a most worthy man, and has a most sincere friendship for me, and I was sure would mark to any persons that I love.  I do not guess what your criticisms on his library will be:  I do not think we shall agree in them; for to me it is the most perfect thing I ever saw, and has the most the air it was intended to have—­that of an abbot’s library, supposing it could have been so exquisitely finished three hundred years ago.  But I am sorry he will not force Mr. Wyat to place the Mabeuse over the chimney; which is the sole defect, as not distinguished enough for the principal feature of the room.  My closet is as perfect in its way as the library; and it would be difficult to suspect that it had not been a remnant of the ancient convent, only newly painted and gilt.  My cabinet, nay, nor house, convey any conception; every true Goth must perceive that they are more the works of fancy than of imitation.