the decorative arts, came resolutely to Montfort Court; and there, surrounded with architects, and gilders, and upholsterers, redeemed his errors; and soothed by the reflection of the palace provided for his successor, added to his vaults—a coffin.
The suite expands before the eye. You are in the grand drawing-room, copied from that of Versailles. That is a picture, full length, of the late Marquis in his robes; its pendent is the late Marchioness, his wife. That table of malachite is a present from the Russian Emperor Alexander; that vase of Sevre which rests on it was made for Marie Antoinette—see her portrait enamelled in its centre. Through the open door at the far end your eye loses itself in a vista of other pompous chambers —the music-room, the statue hall, the orangery; other rooms there are appertaining to the suite—a ball-room fit for Babylon, a library that might have adorned Alexandria—but they are not lighted, nor required, on this occasion: it is strictly a family party, sixty guests and no more.
In the drawing-room three whist-tables carry off the more elderly and grave. The piano, in the music-room, attracts a younger group. Lady Selina Vipont's eldest daughter Honoria, a young lady not yet brought out, but about to be brought out the next season, is threading a wonderfully intricate German piece—
"Linked music long drawn out,"
with variations. Her science is consummate. No pains have been spared on her education; elaborately accomplished, she is formed to be the sympathizing spouse of a wealthy statesman. Lady Montfort is seated by an elderly duchess, who is good- natured, and a great talker; near her are seated two middle-aged gentlemen, who had been conversing with her till the duchess, having cut in, turned dialogue into monologue.
The elder of these two gentlemen is Mr. Carr Vipont, bald, with clipped parliamentary whiskers; values himself on a like- ness to Canning, but with a portlier presence—looks a large- acred man. Carr Vipont has about £40,000 a year; has often refused office for himself, while taking care that other Viponts should have it; is a great authority in Committee business and the rules of the House of Commons; speaks very seldom, and at no great length, never arguing, merely- stating his opinion, carries great weight with him, and as he votes, vote fifteen other members of the House of Vipont, besides, admiring satel- lites. He can therefore turn divisions, and has decided the fate of cabinets. A pleasant man, a little consequential, but the
