_Tuesday, July 25._--I now begin my second week, with a scene a little,
not much, different. We were now to go to Kew, there to remain till
Friday.
I had this morning, early, for the first time, a little visit from one
of the princesses. I was preparing for my journey, when a little rap at
my room-door made me call out “Come in,” and who should enter but the
princess royal!
I apologised for my familiar admittance, by my little expectation of
such an hon_our_. She told me she had brought the queen's snuff-box, to
be filled with some snuff which I had been directed to prepare. It is a
very fine-scented and mild snuff, but requires being moistened from time
to time, to revive its smell. The princess, with a very sweet smile,
insisted upon holding the box while I filled it; and told me she had
seen Mrs. Delany at the chapel, and that she was very well; and then
she talked on about her, with a visible pleasure in having a subject so
interesting to me to open upon.
When the little commission was executed, she took her leave with an
elegant civility of manner as if parting with another king's daughter.
I am quite charmed with the princess royal unaffected condescension and
native dignity are so happily blended in her whole deportment.
She had left me but a short time before she again returned. “Miss
Burney,” cried she, smiling with a look of congratulation, “Mamma says
the snuff is extremely well mixed; and she has sent another box to be
filled.”
I had no more ready. She begged me not to mind, and not to hurry myself,
for she would wait till it was done.