Page:Passages from the Life of a Philosopher.djvu/313

Rh The amusement derived from this source predominates over the instruction. I have heard much anxious inquiry as to certain pieces of clerical preferment—who is to have certain military or colonial commands, and what promotions will take place from the consequent vacancies?—many political queries have been proposed, and how 'the party' would act in certain contingent cases? I once heard a gentleman receive at a levee the first announcement of a legacy; on another occasion, on my return from the Continent, I was myself informed at a levee of a similarly gratifying, and to me entirely unexpected, event.

"Doctor Dalton having now passed through the formal part of a levee, had a better opportunity of viewing the details. He inquired the names of several of the portraits, and I took the opportunity of pointing out to him many of the living celebrities.

"We then returned to Mr. Wood's residence, and the whole party were highly gratified at the success of the undertaking.

"I am, my dear Sir, very truly yours,

"

"Dorset Street, Manchester Square,

February 7, 1854."