there was some talk of the two beauties going on the stage; they were introduced by Mrs. Bellamy to Peg Woffington and to Garrick. But Peg Woffington, as she looked at the bright fresh faces of the Gunnings, advised them to leave the theatre alone, she well knew the pit- falls that would await them there. It was said that Peg Woffington lent the Gunnings dresses from her theatrical wardrobe, in which they appeared at Dublin Castle. Whether this be true or not, it is certain that they were presented to the Lord Lieutenant at a birthright ball, and they made such a sensation there that Lord Harrington, then Viceroy, advised their mother to take them to London. This she was only too eager to do. By hook or by crook she got the money together. Through Lord Harrington's influence £150 was obtained from the Irish Establishment, loans were given by friends, and a rich young lady, Miss Plaistow, was put under Mrs. Gunning's chaperonage to be introduced into London society. The year they went to London, the two girls had their portraits painted by Francis Cotes, R.A. They are represented in low-cut, long-waisted, grey satin gowns, with rows of pink rosettes down each side of the bodice, black hair curled at the back and fastened with a string of pearls. A small black patch, is, according to the fashion of the day, on one cheek. We can see from these striking likenesses something of that wonderful beauty
