Neither Miss Planta nor myself could attempt going to church, we had both so much actual business to do for ourselves, in unpacking, and fitting up our rooms, etc. The rest of the day was all fasting, till the evening, and then—who should enter my little parlour, after all the speechifying of only one night, made yesterday, but Mr. Fairly, Colonel Gwynn, and Lord Courtown! Whether this, again, is by the king’s command, or in consequence of the morning arrangement, I know not: but not a word more has dropped of “no evening tea-table;” so, whether we are to unite, or to separate, in future, I know not, and, which is far more extraordinary, I care not! Nobody but you could imagine what a compliment that is, from me! I had made Miss Planta promise, in case such a thing should happen, to come down; and she was very ready, and we had a very cheerful evening. Great difficulties, however, arose about our tea-equipage, So few things are brought, or at least are yet arrived, that Columb is forced to be summoned every other moment, and I have no bell, and dare not, for this short time, beg for one, as my man herds with the King’s men; besides, I have no disposition to make a fuss here, where every body takes up with every thing that they get.
In lamenting, however, the incessant trouble I was obliged to give the gentlemen, of running after Columb, I told Mr. Fairly my obligation, at Windsor, to Colonel Wellbred, for my bell there.
“O yes,” cried he, laughing, “I am not surprised; Colonel Wellbred is quite the man for a ‘belle!’”
“Yes,” cried I, “that he is indeed, and for a ‘beau’ too.”
“O ho! you think him so, do you?” quoth he: to which my prompt assent followed.
ROYALTY CROWDED AT FAUCONBERG HALL.
The royal family had all been upon the walks. I have agreed with myself not to go thither till they have gone through the news-mongers’ drawing up of them and their troop. I had rather avoid all mention and after a few days, I may walk there as if not belonging to them, as I am not of place or rank to follow in their train.
But let me give you, now, an account of the house and accommodation.