London, 24th July 1851. Sin-The lesson deducible from Times correspondence
on the Grosvenor Pictures had not been lost upon me; but I did fancy that the favour of a spontaneous order of admission from the noble owner would have been in- disputable. On the faith of such a passport, I made my way to Grosvenor House through the drizzle of this present afternoon : but I had reckoned without-shall I say the weather, or the Lord Steward of the Household's grammar ? However this may be, a little note at the foot of the admission, to the effect that "if the day is wet, the party may come next day instead" -and which I had interpreted permissively, was found to be obligatory ; the law being very civilly laid down to me by his Lordship's porter. Now roy engagements will not permit me to return "next day."
We shall soon have two "Westminster hulls" famous for delays and disappointments. Legislators find it up-hill work with the elder sister, and have to fight the County Courts battle step by step : but I will venture to suggest Lindley Mur ay as an effectual antidote in the concerns of the se- cond, so far as they have adversely affected LITERA SCRIFTA MANET.
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