I think it was in Trinity college that we saw the noblest library I have ever happened to enter.  For ’tis but little, my dear Susan, I have seen of sights.  Here we had new court scenery, in which I acted but an uncourtier-like part.  The queen and princess had seats prepared for them, which, after a stroll up and down the library, they were glad, I believe, to occupy.  The ladies of their suite were then graciously ordered by her majesty to be seated, as there was not here the state or public appearance that was observed at the theatre, and in the college where the refreshments were given.  As to the poor men, they never must sit in the presence of the queen, be they whom they will, or what they will:  so they were fain to stand it out.

Miss Planta glided away, behind a pillar, and, being there unseen, was able to lounge a little.  She was dreadfully tired.  So was everybody but myself.  For me, my curiosity was so awake to every thing, that I seemed insensible to all inconvenience.  I could not, in such a library, prevail with myself to so nodest a retirement as Miss Planta’s:  I considered that the queen had herself ordered my attendance in this expedition, and I thought myself very well privileged to make it as pleasant as I could.  I therefore stole softly down the room, to the further end, and there amused myself with examining what 393

books were within reach of my eyes, and with taking down and looking into all such as were also within reach of my understanding.  This was very pleasant sport to me, and had we stayed there till midnight would have kept me from weariness.

Retreatingfrom the royal presence.

In another college (we saw so many, and in such quick succession, that I recollect not any by name, though all by situation) I saw a performance of courtly etiquette, by Lady Charlotte Bertie, that seemed to me as difficult as any feat I ever beheld, even at Astley’s or Hughes’s.  It was in an extremely large, long, spacious apartment.  The king always led the way out, as well as in, upon all entrances and exits :  but here, for some reason that I know not, the queen was handed out first ; and the princesses, and the aide-de-camp, and equerry followed.  The king was very earnest in conversation with some professor ; the attendants hesitated whether to wait or follow the queen ; but presently the Duchess of Ancaster, being near the door, slipped out, and Lady Harcourt after her.  The Miss Vernons, who were but a few steps from them, went next.  But Lady Charlotte, by chance, happened to be very high up the room, and near to the king.  Had I been in her situation, I had surely waited till his majesty went first — but that would not, I saw, upon this occasion, have been etiquette she therefore faced the king, and began a march backwards, -her ankle already sprained, and to walk forward, and even leaning upon an arm, was painful to her:  nevertheless, back she went, perfectly upright, without one stumble, without ever looking once behind to see what she might encounter ; and with as graceful a motion, and as easy an air, as I ever saw anybody enter a long room, she retreated, I am sure, full twenty yards backwards out of one.