A very lively dialogue ensued. But I grow tired of writing. One thing, however, I must mention, which, at the time, frightened me wofully.
“Pray, Sir Joshua,” asked Lord Palmerston, “what is this 'Warley' that is just come out?”
Was not this a cruel question? I felt in such a twitter!
“Why, I don't know,” answered he; “but the reviewers, my lord, speak very well of it.”
Mrs. C.-Who wrote it?
Sir Joshua.-Mr. Huddisford.
Mrs. C.-O! I don't like it at all, then! Huddisford what a name! Miss Burney, pray can you conceive anything of such a name as Huddisford?
I could not speak a word, and I dare say I looked no-how. But was it not an unlucky reference to me? Sir Joshua attempted a kind of vindication of him; but Lord Palmerston said, drily,
“I think, Sir Joshua, it is dedicated to you?”
“Yes, my lord,” answered he.