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240 that will have its way, he makes you laugh, he is at once ashamed, and starts back into his usual languid and affected strain of compliment. Nature has made him an author and a wit; he blushes for both, and trusts that they are forgotten in the very fine gentleman. I was struck with the difference between his small affectation of denying and despising his own talents and their laudable use, and the earnest belief in their nobility which exists in the Italian artist. The one belongs to a higher order of intelligence than the other. Well, enthusiasm is the divine particle in our composition: with it we are great, generous, and true: without it, we are little, false, and mean. Do let me tell you one thing the signora said: "I always pray in German—the language is so expressive and energetic." I wished at the moment that I knew it, that I might pray for you, my dear uncle—my more than parent. We are going to-night to a ball at the Duchess of Queensberry's. I wonder she is not afraid at the world of disappointment her invitations have created. She has asked every