As soon, however, as she perceived Mrs. and Miss Thrale, which was not till they had been some minutes in the room, 250 she arose to welcome them, contrary to her general Custom, and merely because it was their first visit.  Our long train making my entrance some time after theirs, gave me the advantage of being immediately seen by her, and she advanced to me with quickness, and very politely thanked me for coming, and said,—­

“I fear you think me very rude for taking the liberty of sending to you.”

“No, indeed, you did me much honour,” quoth I.

She then broke further into her general rules, by making way for me to a good place, and seating me herself, and then taking a chair next me, and beginning a little chat.  I really felt myself much obliged to her for this seasonable attention, for I was presently separated from Mrs. Thrale, and entirely surrounded by strangers, all dressed superbly, and all looking saucily ; and as nobody’s names were spoken, I had no chance to discover any acquaintances.  Mr. Metcalf, indeed, came and spoke to me the instant I came in, and I should have been very happy to have had him for my neighbour; but he was engaged in attending to Dr. Johnson, who was standing near the fire, and environed with listeners.

Some new people now coming in, and placing themselves in a regular way, Miss Monckton exclaimed,—­“My whole care is to prevent a circle;” and hastily rising, she pulled about the chairs, and planted the people in groups, with as dexterous a disorder as you would desire to see.

The company in general were dressed with more brilliancy than at any rout I ever was at, as most of them were going to the Duchess of Cumberland’s, and attired for that purpose. just behind me sat Mrs. Hampden, still very beautiful, but insufferably affected.  Another lady, in full dress, and very pretty, came in soon after, and got herself a chair just before me ; and then a conversation began between her and Mrs. Hampden, of which I will give you a specimen.

“How disagreeable these sacques are!  I am so incommoded with these nasty ruffles!  I am going to Cumberland House—­are you?”

“To be sure,” said Mrs. Hampden, “what else, do you think, would make me bear this weight of dress?  I can’t bear a sacque.”

“Why, I thought you said you should always wear them?”

“Oh, yes, but I have changed my mind since then—­as many people do.”

251

“Well, I think it vastly disagreeable indeed,” said the other, “you Can’t think how I am encumbered with these ruffles!”

" Oh I am quite oppressed with them,” said Mrs. Hampden, “I can hardly bear myself up.”

" And I dined in this way!” cried the other; “only think—­dining in a sacque!”

“Oh,” answered Mrs. Hampden, “it really puts me quite out of spirits.”