conversation was then very good. The same subject was continued,
except where it was interrupted by Mr. Bryant's speaking of his
own works, which was very frequently, and with a droll sort of
simplicity that had a mixture of nature and of humour extremely
amusing. He told us, very frankly his manner of writing; he
confessed that what he first committed to paper seldom
could be printed without variation or correction, even to a
single line: he copied everything over, he said, himself, and
three transcribings were the fewest he could ever make do; but,
generally, nothing went from him to the press under seven.

Mr. Turbulent and Miss Planta came to dinner, and it was very
cheerful. Ere it was over John told me somebody wanted me. I
desired they might be shewn to my room till the things were
removed; but, as these were some time taking away, I called John
to let me know who it was. "The princess royal, ma'am," was his
answer, with perfect ease.

Up I started, ashamed and eager, and flew to her royal highness
instantly : and I found her calmly and quietly waiting, shut up
in my room, without any candles, and almost wholly in the dark,
except from the light of the fire! I made all
possible apologies, and doubled and trebled them upon her
Smilingly saying "I would not let them tell you who it was, nor
hurry you, for I know 'tis so disagreeable to be called
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away in the middle of dinner." And then, to reconcile me to the
little accident, she took hold of both my hands.