1857-59 BANQUET AT MANSION HOUSE 77 
Gloucester]. . . . A most pleasant, varied chat all 
the dinner time ; no sort of formality.’ 
‘ A card of a foot square from the Lord Mayor- 
Glect, who this year invites the representatives of 
British science to the annual banquet.’ So Owen 
tells his sister, to whom on November 29 he sends 
particulars of the Mansion House meeting : — 
‘ The assembled citizens in the room signify 
their opinion of the guests named — if worth any 
— somewhat in the fashion of the undergradu- 
ates in the Senate House. After the dinner, 
poor Samuel Warren came up to me. “ Why, 
Professor, you were received like the Prime 
Minister!” I made my best Court bow to the 
Lord Mayor, said a few words to my Lord of my 
pleasure at seeing Science recognised on this 
great occasion, and sailed off to one side to 
tvitness other receptions. Lord D. cross and 
fidgety ; old Malakoff very ddbonnaire and jolly, 
the Lord Chancellor with his most benevolent 
sniile. Disraeli with his unmeaning, impassive 
Aspect. I had a good place assigned me near the 
‘ Court-end ” of one of the long tables in full view 
the magnates. Next me a young bride with 
’'videly-developed skirt. Her husband and I had 
to lift her, first upon the “ form ” (which was 
fixed close to the table), then to fold her nether 
half tightly up and glide her in like a mummy ! 
Same operation needed with everybody, and ib. 
to get them out.’ 
