Happily, Miss Penelope Hartopp, daughter of the General of that name, saw the scene from inside and carries on the tale in a letter, much defaced too, which ultimately reached a female friend at Tunbridge Wells. Miss Penelope was no less lavish in her enthusiasm than the gallant officer. ‘Ravishing,’ she exclaims ten times on one page, ‘wondrous… utterly beyond description… gold plate… candelabras… n*****s in plush breeches… pyramids of ice… fountains of negus… jellies made to represent His Majesty’s ships… swans made to represent water lilies… birds in golden cages… gentlemen in slashed crimson velvet… Ladies’ headdresses AT LEAST six foot high… musical boxes… .Mr Peregrine said I looked QUITE lovely which I only repeat to you, my dearest, because I know… Oh! how I longed for you all!… su
