CHAPTER IX

_March, April, and May_, 1838

Bulwer’s plays — Canadian prisoners — Jamaican slavery — An Investiture — Commission on Promotions — Portuguese affairs — A long ride — Lord and Lady Holland — Talk on railways — Lady Burghersh — Lord Byron — Duke and Duchess of Gloucester — Gallery of Portraits — Madame de Staël — Brougham’s oddities — Death of Louis — The Royal Family — Soult — Lady Charlotte Bury — The Hertford family — Carlton House and Court parties — Queen Anne — George IV.’s favourites — Artists — A State ball — The Church of Ireland — Useless motions — The Ponsonby family — Coronation preparations — Irish affairs — Government difficulties — Singing of birds — The Fitzclarence pensions — Election Committee Bill — Portugal and slavery — The Established Church — Parliamentary business — Audiences — Talleyrand’s death — Twentieth birthday — A State ball — Royal marriages — Eton customs — Coronation honours 291–335