* * * * *

It was three months after the ball at Bolton House, which had been
preceded by a concert at Mrs Methuen's that Mrs Stanhope mentions
attending another entertainment given by the latter hostess, to which she
went shortly after an evening of painful excitement.


_Tuesday, June 18th, 1805._

You would read in the papers of the riot at the Opera House. So
complete and mischievous a one I never before saw, or ever wish to see
again. I saw part of the stage pulled up and thrown into the Pitt, and
when the scene was thrown down, it was only wonderful people were not
killed, as the stage was full. Notwithstanding the damage was said to
amount from L900 to L1200, we are to have an Opera to-night.

It was said the House of Peers intended to, object to the Commons
prosecuting one of their House, but I have not heard anything more of
it--so I suppose it will pass over.

It formed the great topick of conversation at the Methuen's ball where
we were till five this morning--fine, but dull--the best supper I
ever saw.


The Opera House, at the date of this occurrence, was usually a brilliant
and attractive scene. The accommodation was divided into seats in the
gallery, boxes and pit. The latter, where many of the _elite_ were seated,