displays in conversation--the life and soul of all that is elegant and classical, and the willing participator and promoter of a good joke. Suffice it to say, the reception was flattering in the extreme, the entertainment conversational and highly intellectual. The moments flew so quickly, that I could have wished the hour of eleven, the period of the King's retiring, had been extended to the noontide of the morrow. But is this all, I think I can hear you say, this friend of my heart dares to repose with me on a subject so agreeable? No--you shall have a few _on dits_, but nothing touching on the scandalous; gleanings, from Sir E---- and Sir C----, the jesters of our sovereign lord the King; but nothing that might excite a blush in the cheek of the lovely Countess, to whom I was indebted for the honour and delight I on that occasion experienced. Imprimis:--I know you are intimate with that inimitable child of whim, Charles Mathews. He is in high estimation with royalty, I assure you; and annually receives the King's command to deliver a selection from his popular entertainments before him--an amusement of which his Majesty speaks in terms of the warmest admiration. On the last occasion, a little _scena_ occurred that must have been highly amusing; as it displays at once the kind recollections of the King, and his amiable disposition. As I had it from Sir C----, you may depend upon its authenticity. I shall denominate it the King at Home, or Mathews in Carlton Palace. _(See Plate.)_ [Illustration: page298]