hair-dressing, surrounded by all my apparatus, and a blazing fire to
welcome me with a hissing tea-kettle of hot water and every comfort.
How well the English understand it, I learn more and more every day.
My maid had a large room above me, also with a fire; indeed, a
"lady's" maid is a VERY GREAT character INDEED, and would be much
more unwilling to take her tea with, or speak familiarly to, a
footman or a housemaid than I should. My greatest mistakes in
England have been committed toward those high dignitaries, my own
maid and the butler, whose grandeur I entirely misappreciated and
invaded, as in my ignorance I placed them, as we do, on the same
level with other servants. She has her fire made for her, and LOAF
sugar in her tea, which she and Cates sip in solitary majesty.
However, she is most conscientious and worthy, as well as dignified,
and thoroughly accomplished in her business. As all these things
are pictures of English life, I mention them to amuse Aunty, who
likes to know how these matters are managed.

After I am dressed, I join the circle in the library, where I am
introduced to Mr. and Madam Van de Weyer, and Louis Buonaparte, the
son of Louis, the ex-King of Holland, and of Hortense, Josephine's
daughter. He was a long time imprisoned in the fortress of Ham, and
has not long been free. There was also Napoleon, son of Jerome
Buonaparte, and the Princess of Wurtemberg. They were most
agreeable, intelligent, and amiable young men, and I was glad to
meet them. Lord and Lady Langdale (who have a place in the
neighborhood) were invited to dine with us. He is Master of the
Rolls and was elevated to the peerage from great distinction at the
bar. Lady Langdale is a sensible and excellent person. At dinner I
sat between Mr. Bates and Lord Langdale, whom I liked very much.