Mr. Hall received us with the
greatest cordiality before we entered the drawing-room. Mrs. Hall, too,
greeted us with most kindly warmth. Jenny Lind had not yet arrived; but
I found Dr. Mackay there, and I was introduced to Miss Catherine
Sinclair, who is a literary lady, though none of her works happen to be
known to me. Soon the servant announced Madam Goldschmidt, and this
famous lady made her appearance, looking quite different from what I
expected. Mrs. Hall established her in the inner drawing-room, where was
a piano and a harp; and shortly after, our hostess came to me, and said
that Madam Goldschmidt wished to be introduced to me. There was a gentle
peremptoriness in the summons, that made it something like being
commanded into the presence of a princess; a great favor, no doubt, but
yet a little humbling to the recipient. However, I acquiesced with due
gratitude, and was presented accordingly. She made room for me on the
sofa, and I sat down, and began to talk.
Jenny Lind is rather tall,--quite tall, for a woman,--certainly no
beauty, but with sense and self-reliance in her aspect and manners. She
was suffering under a severe cold, and seemed worn down besides, so
probably I saw her under disadvantages.
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