This calamity, however, had no effect in rendering the writer more circumspect. Her course of life, without being one of the gross guilt it was described, was certainly one not creditable to her. Exaggerated reports, which grew as they were circulated, startled the ears of her friends and gladdened the hearts of her enemies. They were at their very worst when, in 1820, George III. ended his long reign, and Caroline Princess of Wales became Queen-consort of England. As a sample of the effect produced by the above-named reports the following, from a letter by Lady Charleville to Lady Morgan, in February 1820, may be quoted:--‘The report of all travellers who have had any knowledge of the Princess of Wales renders it imperative that such a woman should not preside in Great Britain over its honest and virtuous daughters, and something is to be done to prevent it.’ In April of the same year Lady Morgan was in Rome, and she wrote thence to Lady Clarke more favourably: ‘We have Queen Caroline here; at first this made a great fuss, whether she was or was not to be visited by her subjects, when, lo! she refused to see any of them, and leads the most perfectly retired life! We met her one day driving out in a state truly royal; I never saw her so splendid. Young Austin followed in an open carriage; he is an interesting-looking young man. She happened to arrive at an inn near Rome when Lord and Lady Leitrim were there. She sent for them, and invited them to tea. Lady Leitrim told me her manner was perfect, and altogether she was a most improved woman. The Baron attended her at tea, but merely as a chamberlain, and was not introduced. Before you receive this; if accounts be true, her Majesty will be in England.’ The Roman authorities treated her with scant courtesy. As soon as the death of almost the only friend she ever had in England, George III., was certified, Cardinal Gonzalvi, refusing to recognise in her person a Queen of Great Britain, sent her passport to her as Princess Caroline of Brunswick. CHAPTER VIII. THE RETURN TO ENGLAND. Report of the Milan Commissioners--The Princess’s determination to return to England--Studied neglect of her by Louis XVIII.--Lord Hutchinson’s proposal to her to remain abroad-- Her indignant refusal--Bergami’s anger on the refusal of the proposition--Discourtesy of the French authorities to the Princess--Her reception in England--The Regent’s message to Parliament--The green bag--Sympathy for the Queen-- Desire for a compromise evinced; meeting for the purpose at Lord Castlereagh’s--The contending parties in Parliament--Mr. Wilberforce as Mr. Harmony--Mr. Brougham the Queen’s especial advocate--The Queen’s name in the Liturgy demanded--Mr. Denman’s argument for it--Address of the House of Commons to the Queen--Her reply, and appeal to the nation--A secret inquiry protested against--The Queen at Waithman’s shop-- Violence of party spirit.