Page:Journal of Conversations with Lord Byron.pdf/62

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Journal of Conversations

female foreigners, who, I dare say, were very agreeable. As I have formed a sullen resolution about presentations, which I never break, (above once a month,) I begged -- to dispense me from being introduced, and intrigued for myself a place as far remote as possible from his fair guests, and very near a bottle of the best wine to confirm my misogyny. After coffee, I had accomplished my retreat as far as the hall, on full tilt towards your thé, which I was very eager to partake of, when I was arrested by -- requesting that I would make my bow to the French Ambassadress, who it seems is a Dillon, Irish, but born or bred in America; has been pretty, and is a blue, and of course entitled to the homage of all persons who have been printed. I returned, and it was then too late to detain Miss P -- over the tea-urn. I beg you to accept my regrets, and present my regards to Milady, and Miss P -- and Comte Alfred, and believe me ever yours,

"NOEL BYRON."
"APRIL 23, 1828.

"MY DEAR LORD: I thank you for quizzing me and my 'learned Thebans.' I assure you, my notions on that score are limited to getting away with a whole skin, or sleeping quietly with a bro