HANNAH MORE, From thenceforward her reception in London society was warm and flattering. Mrs. Montagu and Mrs. Vesey, two women of fashion and talent, were then organizing rival conversational parties, on the model of the sparkling gatherings in the Parisian saloons. Mrs. Montagu was vivacious,, generous, witty,. and magnificent ; Mrs. Vesey, elegant, discriminating, and courteous. Hannah quickly became a favourite with Mrs. Montagu, and was by her presented to all who were eminent for talent, rank, or beauty. Reynolds, Johnson, Burke, Dr. Percy, Gibbon, Mrs. Carter, Mrs. Boscawen, Mrs. Chapone, Mrs. Thrale (afterwards Piozzi), and numerous other luminaries were now on her list of distinguished friends. Her first introduction to the great lexicographer took place at the house of Reynolds, who, as he handed her up- stairs, prepared her for the Doctor's being " in one of his moods of sadness and silence." To her surprise, on entering the room, he advanced smilingly to meet her, with a macaw of Sir Joshua's on his hand, greeting her with a verse from a Morning Hymn which she had written at the request of Dr. Stonehouse. He was touched by the enthu- siastic admiration testified for him by the young authoress, who, on visiting him at his house, during his absence, seeing a great chair in his room, installed herself therein, " hoping," as she said, " to catch thence a ray of his genius." He laughed heartily when told of this circumstance, the chair happening to be one in which he never sat. On this occasion, 19
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