PRINCES GATE.—Two terraces are so called, very absurdly. {163} The real gate is an entrance to the Park opposite, named after the Prince of Wales, and opened in October, 1848. It stands on the highest plot of ground between Hyde Park Corner and Windsor Castle. Of the western terrace Mr. Leigh Hunt complains that “each house is too high for its width,” and says “they resemble a set of tall thin gentlemen squeezing together to look at something over the way.” I cannot agree with Mr. Hunt’s humour, and consider them a very handsome and pleasing row. Mr. Elmes, architect of St. George’s Hall, was designer, I believe, and Mr. Elger the builder; the eastern row was finished in 1851, the western in 1855. At No. 23, Vice-Chancellor Parker resided for a short while before his death. Between the two terraces stands KINGSTON HOUSE, built about 1770, a large and pleasant mansion, and when first erected attracting notice by the conservatory attached to it. In this conservatory is a large window, representing a garden scene, painted by John Martin when a pupil of Charles Muss, the enamel painter. Elizabeth Chudleigh was daughter of a Devonshire gentleman, who died when she was very young; but her mother having interest with Mr. Pulteney, she was appointed, at the age of eighteen, maid of honour to the Princess of Wales, mother to George III. In the aristocratic circle into which she was now introduced, she soon became a great favourite, and more than one young scion of nobility cast a lover’s eye towards her. The young Duke of Hamilton was, however, the successful one; and the pledge of affiance passed mutually. He set forth on his travels, and she retired to the residence of an aunt, Mrs. Hanmer, where she found one of the most frequent visitors was the Hon. Mr. Hervey. He seems to have made up his mind instantly; but aware of her pledge to the duke, he induced Mrs. Hanmer to intercept their letters. The result of the scheme was as Hervey expected: no letters arriving, Miss Chudleigh believed herself slighted; and wrought on by the persuasions of Mrs. Hanmer, agreed to accept Captain Hervey. They were married privately, August 4th, 1744, but separated the day after, she continuing to fill her office as maid of honour. The dissimulation this compelled her to practise was probably the main cause of her after misfortunes; it was only by the knowledge that he would be compelled to maintain her, that Captain Hervey could be induced not to assert his claim; and her union being unknown at Court, she was still as much courted as ever. Home came Hamilton—he had been faithful to her—and demanded that explanation she was not able (unaccountably to him) to give, offered his hand again, which, of course, she was compelled to refuse. His despair was excessive; inquiries were made, and the duplicity of Mrs. Hanmer unveiled.