him to enjoy the wit and talents of others, without suffering a sense of inferiority. Among those at table were C---- and H----, names well known in the circles of Devonshire House; Sir P---- F----, who struck me at first sight by his penetrating physiognomy, and who was even then suspected of being the author of that most brilliant of all libels, Junius; W----, then in the flower of life, and whose subtilty and whim might be seen in his fine forehead and volatile eyes; some others, whose names I did not know, and among them one of low stature, but of singularly animated features. He was evidently a military man, and of the Sister Isle, a prime favourite with the prince and every body; and I think a secretary in the prince's household. He had just returned from Paris; and as French news was then the universal topic, he took an ample share in the conversation. The name of La Fayette happening to be mentioned, as then carrying every thing before him in France-- "I doubt his talents," said the prince. "I more doubt his sincerity," said W----. "I still more doubt whether this day three months he will have his head on his shoulders," said Sir P----. "None can doubt his present popularity," said the secretary. "At all events," said his highness, "I cannot doubt that he has wit, which in France was always something, and now, in the general crash of pedigree, is the only thing. Any man who could furnish the Parsans with a _bon-mot_ a-day, would have a strong chance of succeeding to the throne in the probable vacancy."