Monday, July 8.-I rose at six, and was called to the queen soon after seven.  Only Mrs. Schwellenberg was with her, and again she made me a mere looker-on; and the obligation I felt to her sent me somewhat lighter hearted from her presence.

When she was dressed, in a simple morning gown, she had her hat and cloak put on, to go to prayers at eight o’clock, at the king’s chapel in the Castle; and I returned to my room.

At noon came my dear father, and spent an hour or two with me—­so happy! so contented! so big with every pleasant expectation!—­I rejoice to recollect that I did nothing, said nothing this morning to check his satisfaction; it was now, suddenly and at once, all my care to increase his delight.  And so henceforward it must invariably continue.

We parted cheerfully on* both sides; yet I saw a little pang in his last embrace, and felt it in his dear hands :-but I kept myself well up, and he left me, I really believe, without a wish ungratified.

At dressing-time the same quiet conduct was still observed by the queen—­fixed in her benign determination to permit me to recover breath and ease, ere she gave me any other trial than merely standing in her presence.

At dinner we—­I mean Mrs. Schwellenberg and myself-had Miss Planta and Colonel Polier; and I was happy to be again diverted with the excess of his satisfaction at sight of turtle upon the table.

CONGRATULATORY VISITS FROM COURT OFFICIALS.

in the evening I had a visit from Lady Elizabeth Waldegrave, who brought her sister, Lady Caroline Waldegrave, both to pay congratulatory compliments.  Lady Elizabeth is lady of the bedchamber to the princess royal, and lives in this Lodge. 341

Her sister, by the queen’s, goodness, is permitted to spend .some months of every year with her.  They were left orphans at about sixteen:  the queen instantly took them both under her protection.  They are gentle and well bred, and seem very amiable.  They stayed with me till it was time for them to go into waiting for the princess royal, whom they attend to the Terrace.

My dearest Mrs. Delany came again, to visit me wholly, and drink tea with me.  We had a thousand things to discuss, but were scarce a moment together before we were interrupted by Madame de la Fite, who, however, only stayed to give and receive from Mrs. Delany congratulations on meeting in my room at Windsor, and then she pretty soon took leave.

We had but again arranged ourselves to a little comfort, when a tat-tat at my door followed, and a lady entered whom I had never seen before, with a very courteous air and demeanour, saying, “I could not defer paying my compliments to Miss Burney, and wishing her much joy, which we must all feel in such an accession to our society:  I must get my daughter to introduce me.”  And then advanced Mrs. Fielding, and I found this was Lady Charlotte Finch.