The most intelligent and the most liberal amongst the Romans (the two terms are there synonymous) never seem to know the value of positive facts, and even in matters susceptible of proof prefer general statements.

Then, too, the absence of social meetings, or means of intercourse, is one of the most striking features about Roman society.

There is no public life, no current literature, little even of free conversation.

Of course, among the English and foreign residents there are plenty of parties and gaieties of every kind.
At these parties you meet a few Anglicised Italians, who have picked up a little of our English language and a good deal of our English dress.

The nobility of Rome who come into contact with the higher class of English travellers give a good number of formal receptions, but amongst the middle and professional classes there is very little society at all.