Page:The Leadbeater Papers (1862) Vol 1.djvu/61

talent for drollery, and it is well known that Edmund also had his share.

Burke's friendship with Eichard Shackleton grew with their growth and strengthened with their strength, and lasted to the end of their lives. My mother cordially entered into the attachment of her husband. She had first seen Edmund when, on a journey before her marriage, she called at Ballitore. Both he and his friend were remarkably short-sighted, and they were trying which could read best by twilight. I cannot forget the first visit which occurred in my time of this illustrious man to Ballitore. Edmund Burke was expected; we naturally loved every friend of our parents, but to these predilections were superadded sentiments of respect and admiration in the present instance, which caused his visit to be expected with impatient wonder. The chaise stopped at the big gate, which unfolded wide, and my imagination still presents the graceful form of Edmund, as I beheld him from the nursery window, leading in his wife, a pretty little woman, with no covering on her head but her beautiful unadorned auburn tresses. On Elizabeth Shackleton expressing surprise that she wore no cap, in which respect she was singular at that time, she said that she dressed conformably to her husband's taste; however, she promised to put on one, and next morning appeared in the first French night-cap that was ever seen in Ballitore. The plain dress of Edmund disappointed my expectation, and I thought the postillion's habit, daubed with livery lace, much more elegant: the sight of our guest's laced waistcoat, how-