The Duc de Liancourt himself, not long afterwards, came over to
England, and, through the medium of Mr. Young, addressed letters of the
most flattering politeness to Dr. Burney; soliciting his acquaintance,
and, through his influence, an interview with _Mademoiselle Berney_.
The latter, however, had so invincible a repugnance to being singled
out with such undue distinction by strangers, that she prevailed,
though with much difficulty, upon her father, to consent to her
non-appearance when this visit took place. The Duke was too well
bred not to pardon, though, no doubt, he more than marvelled at this
_mauvaise honte Anglaise_.
He made his visit, however, very agreeable to the Doctor, who found
him of lofty manners, person, and demeanour; of liberal and enlightened
sentiments and opinions; and ardent to acquire new, but practical
notions of national liberty; with the noble intention of propagating
them amongst his countrymen: an intention which the turbulent humour
of the times warpt and perverted into results the most opposed to his
genuine views and wishes.