The Marsh's were at that time giving rather large weekly receptions in the fine rooms of their villa, and our friends accompanied us to one of these.

It was very easy to see that both ladies appreciated each other.

There was a large gathering, mostly of Americans, and Lewes exerted himself to be agreeable and amusing--which he always was, when he wished to be, to a degree rarely surpassed.
He and I used to walk about the country together when "Polly" was indisposed for walking; and I found him an incomparable companion, whether a gay or a grave mood were uppermost.

He was the best _raconteur_ I ever knew, full of anecdote, and with a delicious perception of humour.

She also, as I have said--very needlessly to those who have read her books--had an exquisite feeling and appreciation of the humorous, abundantly sufficient if unsupported by other examples, to put Thackeray's dicta on the subject of woman's capacity for humour out of court.