Garrick’s social circle was now thrown open to Miss More.  At his house she first met Mrs. Elizabeth Montague, the authoress of an Essay on the Writings and Genius of Shakespeare, a work which brought around the writer the best literary men of the time.

Miss More’s introduction to Dr. Johnson took place at the house of Sir Joshua Reynolds.  This event, though much desired, was not without dread, lest the great man should happen to be in one of his querulous moods.  All fear vanished on her seeing the Doctor approach with a smile on his rugged countenance, and Sir Joshua’s macaw perched on his hand.  Her surprise may be imagined when he greeted her with a verse from a Morning Hymn of her own composition.

The following extracts are from letters written by one of Hannah’s vivacious sisters.  “Since I last wrote, Hannah has been introduced by Miss Reynolds to Baretti and to Edmund Burke (the ’Sublime and Beautiful’ Edmund Burke!).  From a large party of literary persons assembled at Sir Joshua’s she received the most encouraging compliments; and the spirit with which she returned them was acknowledged by all present, as Miss Reynolds informed poor us.  Miss R. repeats her little poem by heart, with which also the great Johnson is much pleased.”  “We have paid another visit to Miss Reynolds.  She had sent to engage Dr. Percy (Percy’s collection,—­now you know him), who is quite a sprightly modern, instead of a rusty antique, as I expected.  He was no sooner gone, than the most amiable and obliging of women (Miss Reynolds) ordered the coach to take us to Dr. Johnson’s very own house; yes, Abyssinia’s Johnson!  Dictionary Johnson!  Rambler’s, Idler’s, and Irene’s Johnson!  Can you picture to yourself the palpitation of our hearts as we approached his mansion?  The conversation turned upon a new work of his (the Tour to the Hebrides), and his old friend Richardson ...  Miss Reynolds told the doctor of all our rapturous exclamations on the road.  He shook his scientific head at Hannah, and said, ’She was a silly thing.’  When our visit was ended, he called for his hat, as it rained, to attend us down a very long entry to our coach, and not Rasselas could have acquitted himself more en cavalier.  We are engaged with him at Sir Joshua’s, Wednesday evening.  What do you think of us?”

A second visit to London took place in the following year, and a third—­prolonged to six months—­in 1776.  From this period down to about 1789 Miss More usually spent some time every year amongst her London friends, but chiefly with Mrs. Garrick, either at the Adelphi or at her country residence at Hampton.