unalterably popular. Nor were the other members of his family less
appreciated for their good-nature and amiability.


_Mrs Spencer-Stanhope to John Spencer-Stanhope._
GROSVENOR SQUARE, _March 19th, 1805._

I shall employ my Pen in sending you an account of last night's
gaiety--the first really gay night Marianne has had.

We began our evening at a concert at Mrs Methuen's, from thence we
proceeded to a very fine Assembly at the Ladies' Townshends, and about
twelve arrived at the Duchess of Bolton's, where we found them
tripping on the light fantastick toe with great spirit. Marianne found
herself near Lady A. Stanhope, [15] who was extremely attentive to
her, & her first partner introduced to her by Lady Harrington was Mr
Mercer. After supper she danced a Reel, and afterwards two dances with
Mr Dashwood, & then two with Mr Cooke of the Guards. I need not, after
this account of the ball say she was well amused. There were a great
many men & very young ones, not too fine to dance. Lord Alvanley [16]
is not amongst the smartest. Hay Drummond amused me, for _at five in
the morning_, he asked me if I had a daughter there!--I was in bed
by 1/2 after five.

Marianne is quite well this morning and very well disposed to go to
Almack's if your father does not object. On Thursday we go to another
ball at Lady Ledespenser's.

We have now delightful weather, soft rain yesterday; therefore I
expect a pull in the Sociable will be delightful to-day & do us all