The Press.
London, England, 1853-07-09 00:00:00

Court anti tasllion.

Titorott on the Sth of .July the season may be
looked upon as drawing to a dose, and another fort-
night will see the town almost a desert, there has,
during the past week, been no lack either of brilliant
or agreeable parties.
0,, SATrituAY last the Duke and Duchess of Meck-
lenburg dined with Lord and Lady Derby ; and in the
evening Lady Derby had a party, which watt attended

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by politicians and fashionables of all shades and
colour:.

On Mom)Av Lady Exeter gave her second ball,
which, though rather more crowded than her first,
was nevertheless equally good. The Duchesses of
Cambridge anal Meeklenburg, anti the Princess Mary,
were present, and remained till a late hour.
On TrEsoAv one of the best balls of the season
was given by L►rd Cardigan' in Portman-square, his
sister, Lady (mean, receiving the company. The
Royal party were again present, anal remained till
n.m. It is difficult to imagine a more suttee said
ball in every respect. The rooms are well adapted fur
receiving company, anal, though never too crowded,
they always were sufficiently full for the purposes
of the ballet. We must not forget to duly chronicle
the excellence of the supper, and to make 1 hie
mention of the manner in which the cloak and carriage
departments were managed.
t►n WEMESPAV Lad• Holland gave the first of
her morning reeept. s, which are to be continued
on the Wednesdays in July. The day was one of
those rare occasions when we can afford to praise
that British climate; and nothing could be so de-
lightful as the opportunity thus afforded to the Lon-
doner to stroll through the picturesque precincts of
Milan& house, which, situated as they are almost
in the midst of a town, appear like a glimpse
of fairy-land. The large conservatory on this ocea
presented an unusual attraction, in the mlotro of
two moveable confectioners' shops, which seemed tat
have been imported as if lay magic direct from the
Strada Toledo, anal inhabited by two live Neapoli-
tans, who furnished to all who required their ser-
viees that perfecti (((( of ice which is only to Is• looked
her at. the ►ands of an Italian artist ; and mere solid

refreshments were at. hand for those who wished to
dine early. Mrs. Lawnmee abut gave a morning
party at. Ealing, which was honoured with the pre-
sence Of royalty, and attended by numerous folks
who delight in tlorieulture. Sir W. Molly's concert
closed the festivities of the day.
On Turasexv Lady Howard had a morning party,
from three to seven; and Mrs. Meynell's, Mrs. In-
gram's, and Lady Aninthits's balls were most fully
attended. This morning Lady Westminster gave
her second morning party, from three to six. I
found it. a great. privilege to be allowed during this
oppressive weather to refresh my mind in the con-
templation of the excellent works of art which abound
in the house. The long gallery !Wilms to have been
made almost purposely with a view to these summer
entertainments.
As 1 have had upwards of thirty years' constant expe-
rience of the higher world, I think I may be looked
upon as of some authority in matters of fashion ; and
I, therefore, take upon myself to say, judgmatieally as
the Scotch have it, that. in my opinion there is in
these liberal times a gnat falling off in the liberality
which in former days was so distinctive of British
entertainers. In 1553 open home from 3 to 7,
and a few dishes of strawberries and pennyworths
of cream or milk, is styled a breakfast. In days
gone by that term was only applied to a festivity
which lasted from :1 p.m. to 6 a.m., and comprised
luncheon, tea, dinner, fireworks, ball, and breakfast
all in one. Who can remember Lord Hertford's par-
ties in the Regent's. park, Caenwmod, the loachehas'
breakfast at. Cremorne and Fulham, 41.., and not
feel for thelpmsentgenerat. ? Seine attribute the
falling off to the changing of the seasons ; butl
fear the weather is not alone to blame, and I am
disposed to ascribe the "cause of this defect" to a
spirit whose inflitenee is now greatly to be dreaded—
the spirit of misappliisl economy.
Friday Evening.

%.

liEn Majesty paid a flying vi-it to Windsor on
Tuesday, and proceeded to witness the pontoon evolu-
tions on Virginia Water. The Queen returned to
town in the evening. On Wednesday there was a
grand concert at Buckinghiun Palace. The indis-
position of Prince Albert has since put a stop to
many of the intended movements and gaieties of the
Court. The Prince of Wales is 'teetered conva-
lescent., and on Tuesday was sent to Witidser for
change of air.
The King and Queen of lianover left London on
Monday at an early hour, travelling via Ostend.
Some intelligence from his own kingdom is said to
have hastened his Majesty's departure, which had
originally twin fixed for a later day. The King has
settled a pension of Itti. a year on the unfortunate
artilleryman who lost his arm by the premature tiring
of a gun at the late Woolwich Held-day. The Reel-
dent occurred within a few yards of his Majesty.
On Thursday the Royal Association at Windsor
held their anniversary, but without. the usual pre-
sence of their patron the Prince Consort. The
prizes for industry, sobriety, domestic order, and
good conduct among the labourers were distributed
by Lieut.-Colonel Seymour. Other prizes were given
for vegetables, needlework, and specimens of handi-
craft art. The competitors were numerous, and the
exhibition a decided advance upon previous years.

The Aztec Lilliputians from Central America were
en Monday summoned to the palace, and formed the
subject of much curiosity to the royal circle.
Lord Augustus Loftus, attachi at Stuttgardt, pro-
ceeds forthwith to Berlin, having been appointed
secretary to Lord Bloomfield's embassy, rice. Mr.
Henry F. Howard, who is on the eve of asstuuiug
the diplomacy at Rio.