CHAPTER V.

July 2d. ERE one ray of the splendor of that brilliant spectacle of the state ball has faded from memory, I will consecrate to the future its impressions upon me; although I have just arisen from a few hours' sleep, and still feel quite weary from the varied pleasures of the last night.

At nine, our excellent Minister and his niece with the attachés of legation called for me, and in our respective carriages we drove through St. James's Park to Buckingham Palace. Long lines of soldiers were drawn up near the entrance, and gentlemen in elegant costumes ushered us into the cloak-room. We stood some time looking at the distinguished and royal personages as they entered; only those, and the diplomatic corps, and the members of the Queen's household, passed that way. After a brief delay, we ascended the great staircase; on each side of the marble steps, masses of flowers were placed, so arranged they formed immense beds of gorgeous hue.

Entering the state apartments, we tarried in the yellow drawing-room, until ten o'clock. Then the guests withdrew from the centre of the room, leaving a clear space like an avenue between the hedges of splendidly dressed women. As we thus stood in eager expectation, the plate-glass doors of the

saloon were thrown open; the Lord Chamberlain, with a golden rod in his hand, walked in backwards, the band struck up" God save the Queen," and Victoria, sovereign over many millions of people, entered.

By her side was the Queen of Hanover, then the Crown Princess of Prussia, and the Duchess of Gloucester. Next came the Duchess of Kent, and the Princess Mary of Cambridge; the Duchess of Cambridge, and the Princess of Hohenlohe, the Duchess of Saxe-Coburg Gotha, and the Duchess of Sutherland; then all the maids of honor and ladies in waiting. After these came Prince Albert, and the King of Hanover; the Prince Edward of Saxe-Weimar, and the Duke of Coburg Gotha; the Duke of Mecklenburg Strelitz, and the Prince of Hohenlohe; the Duke of Cambridge, noble lords, gentlemen in waiting, foreign ambassadors and ministers.

Queen Victoria moved gracefully along, smiling and bowing in a kind, cordial manner, to the right and to the left. Reaching the throne-room, she ascended the canopied "haut pas," where she seated herself surrounded by her royal guests. The throne-room was a spacious and noble saloon, hung with crimson satin, the lofty ceiling supported by marble columns, and richly emblazoned; while around it was a frieze, (also of white marble,) representing the "wars of the roses." It was brightly illuminated by the light which came from crystal globes and golden candelabra.

Dazzling was the scene around me, resplendent as day with flashing diamonds and sparkling gems. There were more than two thousand guests; every lady in magnificent toilette, and every gentleman in court-dress, or in uniform. Soon delightful music from Jullien's band (led by the famous composer himself) filled the grand apartment with its exquisite strains. Then the Lord Chamberlain waved his

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golden wand, the crowd drew back, and a large quadrille was formed, which consisted of her Majesty and all her royal visitors.

Queen Victoria is much handsomer than painters have represented her. She is not tall, but her form is of graceful symmetry; and her bust, arms, and feet, are beautiful. A bright and beaming smile lights up her face. Then there is such an air of honest, earnest goodness about her—a genial manner, so lovely and lovable—" my heart was quickly won," and sincerely could I have exclaimed, like her own loyal subjects, "God save the Queen." Her dress was of white lace embroidered with straw, and green silk; her hair parted on the forehead, and simply bound around her head, which was encircled with a wreath of poppies, the heart of each flower formed by a large diamond. Around the corsage was a band of diamonds of vast size, while a perfect river of light seemed to flow around her neck, and rest upon her bosom. She wore the blue ribbon (the Order of the Garter), with a clasp of radiant gems.

Prince Albert was in the uniform of the Rifles, (since the death of the Duke of Wellington he has been appointed colonel of that regiment.) It was of dark green cloth, and a short jacket, and a small paletôt hanging from the shoulder. Upon his breast were many glittering Orders. He is truly a handsome man; with regular features, and a most benign and beautiful expression of countenance. His manner is elegant, and his movements in the dance were extremely graceful. He was always the vis-a-vis of her Majesty, and in passing each other they constantly interchanged words, and pleasant, happy glances.

The Duke of Cambridge is a tall, gallant, dashing-looking person. He was dressed in a splendid uniform. His sister, Princess Mary of Cambridge, although quite young, is an VOL. I.-2*

uncommonly large woman. She has an amiable, pleasant face. The Prince of Saxe-Coburg Gotha is an elder brother of Prince Albert. Then there was Prince Edward of SaxeWeimar, nephew of the Dowager Queen Adelaide and her heir. He is the son of the Duke of Saxe-Weimar, who went many years ago to America, and wrote a clever book about it.

The Queen of Hanover is not a handsome person, but her relative, the Crown Princess of Prussia, has a majestic and commanding air, and fine figure. Her husband (brother to the present King of Prussia) is a dignified and stately personage. Their son Frederick William, it is whispered in court circles, will probably marry, in a few years, the Princess Royal of England. His. appearance is extremely prepossessing; he is a fine-looking, elegant, and well-mannered youth.

Besides these there were several other princes and princesses, all Germans,-none, however, remarkable for personal

attractions.

The King of Hanover awakened my deepest interest; he is entirely blind. While they were dancing the quadrille, he sat talking to his aid-de-camp, and I earnestly watched his countenance. His features are handsome, and his poor eyes large and blue. They have quite a natural expression, but, alas! they are fixed for ever upon darkness. It was really touching to remark the eagerness with which the queen (his wife) would run to him the moment the dance was over, and seating herself by his side, would apparently describe the joyous scene to him. Smiles would steal like sunbeams over his face, and those sightless eyes were turned towards her with loving tenderness. It was pleasant, too, to see the kind attention paid him by Queen Victoria. She often conversed with him in a merry, cheerful way. When

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another quadrille was played, and they all left him, a deep sadness fell like a veil over his features.

I was happy to meet the Marquis of Granby, the eldest brother of dear Lady Emmeline Stuart Wortley. He is a noble and splendid man, graceful and charming in conversation. Two delightful persons were then presented to me, the Count and Countess Walewski. The Countess is a Florentine, a lovely and delicate creature, very like an American. Her complexion is fair, and a profusion of shining brown hair was twined around her well-shaped head in a most becoming manner. The Count has a wonderful resemblance to the portraits of Napoléon the Great. He is the son of a Polish countess of Warsaw, and is now the French Minister to the Court of St. James, where he is extremely popular as a refined gentleman and excellent diplomatist.

During the dancing of the second quadrille, the Lord Chamberlain was introduced to me, and, after some pleasant words were exchanged, he remarked: "As you are the only person here, not present at the last drawing-room, I will have the pleasure, Madame, of presenting you to her Majesty."

Of course I was delighted at this unexpected and unusual compliment, as presentations at a state-ball are not frequent. When the dance was over, and the Queen seated again, the Lord Chamberlain waved his wand of authority, and the company drew back, leaving a space vacant in front of the throne; then I approached, and was presented to her Majesty, who advanced and greeted me in the most gracious and kind manner, smiling sweetly as I courtsied low before her, and then passed on to the group of distinguished and royal personages who encircled her throne.

That presentation was a bright and enchanting incident to me, and my heart bounded with glad and gratified emo