JET. 36.] AND THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE. 237 



She gave no selfish advice, but took her daughter's 

 part entirely, and came into all that was thought best 

 for her, though her own case might have been bettered 

 otherwise. Miss Mercer behaved admirably also; and 

 though the Prince counts upon her plainly, and thinks 

 her in his interest, I am sure she is only attached to 

 the Princess Charlotte, who herself behaved in a way 

 to raise her in my estimation extremely. She showed 

 much firmness, but the greatest sensibility and good 

 feeling. I had no idea of her having so much good in 

 her. I had forgot to say that Miss Mercer desired me 

 to say she does not write to you because she trusts to 

 me doing so, and is unwell and fatigued. 



" The thing is buzzed over town of course, and was so 

 last night, and all are against the Prince. Yours ever, 



"H. B. 



" Of course we can't wait for your commands; but at 

 all events say what occurs, because possibly it may be 

 in time to alter what might be done amiss." 



TO EAEL GEEY. 



"EATON SOCON, July 21, 1814. 



" DEAR LORD GREY, Before leaving town I had 

 much intercourse with our various friends, and some 

 communication with Miss Mercer by letter, as well as 

 constant communication with the Duke of Sussex. I 

 have also observed and heard a great deal of the public 

 feeling ; the result is, that, on the whole, I should not 

 be sorry if the question stood over as it now is. No- 

 thing can be better, and I am clear a discussion will 

 rather make the treatment (at least) appear weaker. 

 The marriage part of it might certainly gain. There 



