October. Lord Caledon, Sir Michael Shaw Stewart, and Mr. Hallam, spent last evening with us. The latter is an agreeable man, with an acute mind, prone to examine all that interests him, and not disposed to adopt any opinion, without investigating it in all its bearings. It is an amusing study to observe how much men's minds are influenced by the peculiar occupations to which they devote their time. I think, I should have quickly discovered that the author of the "Middle Ages," was an historian, had I never heard the fact, from the manner in which he unconsciously sifted circumstances detailed in the conversation to which he listened. His appears to be a mind that never trifles, but sets seriously to work on whatever subject engages his attention. Even now, in this delicious country, instead of enjoying his holidays, from literary labour, it is plain that it is not idle; and that in society he is laying in a store of information to augment the treasures he already possesses. Mr. Hallam's is a peculiar countenance, but a very intelligent one; indicative of no ordinary share of acuteness, and good sense. I anticipate much gratification from the prospect of seeing him frequently at Rome this winter.

When Mr. Hallam's

name was announced, some Italian ladies who were

present immediately asked, if that was indeed the

author of the "Middle Ages;" and felt gratified at having seen him. A group of English ladies might possibly be less acquainted with the work referred to by the Italian ones with so much pleasure, or might probably have evinced less satisfaction at beholding its author. Except T. Moore, I never saw any other writer received with peculiar distinction by my countrywomen; and even the gifted poet might owe his popularity among the gentler sex to his songs, to which his peculiar and charming mode of singing them adds such attractions.

November.-Lord Lilford has departed for England, and, having had him for a daily guest during the last three months, we miss him very much. He is so good-natured, and good-tempered, (two qualities that, whatever people may assert to the contrary, do not always go together,) that like sugar, which amalgamates with things the most opposite, and softens the acidity of the most sour; his mildness smooths down the asperities of all with whom he comes in contact. He is formed to dwell in Italy, and enjoy the dolce far niente of its luxurious climate, but, I cannot fancy him engaged in the active duties of a senator at home. There is an imploring expression of laissez-moi tranquille in

his good-natured face, that is very rare in so young a man, and argues ill for his distinguishing himself in life; if distinction, as most people believe, can only be attained by active pursuits, and persevering exertions. Lilford will make an uxorious

husband, an indulgent father, and a quiet master; and, after all, it is not of every one of whom so much good can be predicted.

ROME.-Arrived from Florence late last night,-to find the house prepared for our reception wholly unlike what we expected, and totally unsuitable for so large a family as ours. And this the Romans call a palace! but so they do every house with any pretensions in this city. It is astonishing that with such an influx of English, the Romans have not, like the Neapolitans, rendered their houses more fitted for their accommodation. They have contented themselves, with demanding prices à-l'ànglaise, but have left the dwellings, for which such exorbitant rents are asked, in all the pristine nudity of Roman discomfort. I like the grandeur of the old foreign houses, faded though it be, infinitely better than the tawdry attempt at modern French decoration, now so prevalent at Rome.

I have oocupied the whole day in house-hunting, and never beheld less tempting habitations than those

I went over. Not one offered a single room in which a person accustomed to comfort could say, or fancy, here I can manage to render the apartment cheerful, and liveable. In one of these dreary mansions I met Mr. Hallam, who looked as ruefully as myself at the gloomy, half-furnished rooms; but more surprised, I fancy, at the rent, demanded; as he is a stranger in the land, wherein I have been a sojourner of some three years' standing.

I have, at length, found an abode, in the Palazzo Negroni, of which I have engaged the two principal floors, at one hundred guineas a month, for six months certain, a sum for which an admirable house could be had in England; while this is, though the best to be had, anything but desirable in my opinion. The entrance is through a small courtyard, into which the stables open; and the task of Hercules, in cleansing the Augean ones was not more required than here. The suites of rooms are good; but the furniture of the whole would not be sufficient to arrange two of them with comfort, so that, now the house is obtained, we must look out for furniture to be hired, to put into it. This acquisition will, I am told, cost about twenty pounds a month; and after all, the abode will not be comparable to any of those to be had at Naples. But murmuring will not render things any better so

Courage! and to-morrow I will try if, with the aid of countless yards of white muslin, for clean window curtains, innumerable table covers, with which we are always provided, to conceal the ill-polished wood; and some dozen of eider-down pillows, smartly cased, to lay along the hard backs of the miserable half-stuffed sofas, I can render the three saloons habitable.

Half the inconvenience of travelling is removed by the possession of a capacious fourgon, that "real blessing to women," as Dalby's Carminative is advertised to be to mothers. From its roomy storehouse is drawn forth those movable articles so indispensable to the "comfort of the learned, and curious- not only in fish sauces," but in arranging houses. Thence comes the patent brass bed, that gives repose at night; and the copious supply of books, which ensure amusement during the day. Thence emerges the modern inventions of easy chairs and sofas to occupy the smallest space when packed; batteries de cuisine, to enable a cook to fulfil the arduous duties of his métier; and, though last, not least, cases to contain the delicate chapeaux, toques, bérets and bonnets of a Herbault, too fragile to bear the less easy motion of leathern bandboxes crowning imperials. Yes, a fourgon is one of the comforts of life. Peaceful be the fate of its inventor!