and untiring industry, and
practising on the vanity of some, and the good-nature of others,
the end is attained; and though I never met with any individual
who had read any of her books, except the 'Conversations with
Byron,' which are too good to be hers, they are unquestionably a
source of considerable profit, and she takes her place
confidently and complacently as one of the literary celebrities
of her day.

[19] [The first mention of His Imperial Majesty Napoleon
III., who was an _habitue_ of Gore House, and well
known to all who frequented it. The A.D.C. was M. de
Persigny, who accompanied the Prince everywhere.]

[20] [Lady Blessington had a good deal more talent and
reading than Mr. Greville gives her credit for. Several
years of her agitated life were spent in the country in
complete retirement, where she had no resources to fall
back upon but a good library. She was well read in the
best English authors, and even in translations of the
classics; but the talent to which she owed her success
in society was her incomparable tact and skill in
drawing out the best qualities of her guests. What Mr.
Greville terms her vulgarity might be more charitably
described as her Irish cordiality and _bonhomie_. I
have no doubt that her 'Conversations with Lord Byron'
were entirely written by herself. It is true that,
writing, as she did, to make money, many of her other
books were exceedingly worthless.]

CHAPTER V.

Opening of the Session--Lady Flora Hastings--Bulwer's
'Richelieu'--Changes at the Colonial Office--Attack on Lord
Normanby's Irish Administration in the Lords--General Aspect of
Affairs--The 'Morning Chronicle'--Death of Lord de Ros--
Precarious Position of the Government--Views of Lord John
Russell--A doubtful Question--Conciliatory Conversation with
Sir James Graham--Attitude of the Whig Party--Peel's cold
Reception of the Proposal--Result of the Debate--Attitude of
Lord John Russell--Language of the Radical Party--
Conciliation--Change of Feeling in the Country--Duke of
Newcastle dismissed from the Lord Lieutenancy--Lord John
Russell's Letter--Jamaica Bill--Defeat of the Jamaica Bill--
Resignation of Ministers--The Queen retains the Ladies of her
Household--Conduct of