LONDON, May 31st, 1870.
—The excellent Briggs, F.'s W. Indian friend, not content with giving him a turtle, and me an ivory work-box, now offers to present the Convalescent Home with hogsheads of brown sugar off his own plantation! — break major. He and his wife (a brown-parchment little wizzy person) dined with us, likewise the P.M. and Grande Dame [FN: I.e., of course, Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone, who was often called the Grande Dame by her intimates ; I suppose as a sort of feminine of the "Great Man."], Willy and Charles. It was necessary to "make a house" at the unpleasant hour of 9, accordingly the P.M. poked the 3 youthful M.P.'s into his brougham (thereby obliging poor Willy to leave behind half his help of cherry-pie which he was deliberately discussing), got up himself on the box, and so exeunt. All came back to dessert.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
23May1870, University Tests Bill
LONDON, May 23rd, 1870.
—Dear old May dined with us, having been to the House to hear the University Tests debate. Of course the motion was carried by a huge majority, whereby fellowships, tutorships, everything except headships of colleges, are thrown open to Jews, Turks, infidels, and heretics. I can not like it, do what I will !
—Dear old May dined with us, having been to the House to hear the University Tests debate. Of course the motion was carried by a huge majority, whereby fellowships, tutorships, everything except headships of colleges, are thrown open to Jews, Turks, infidels, and heretics. I can not like it, do what I will !
Saturday, February 13, 2010
12May1870, Another Baby for Papa
LONDON, May 12th, 1870.
—A little half-sister was born to the poor old dozen at Cavendish Sq. this morning — 30 years after May (sic, Meriel was 30). Sybella was frightfully ill, and the poor little thing suffered much in the birth, but all went well, and she is comfortable. It is rather a pretty little baby. [FN: Sarah Kathleen, now Mrs. John Bailey. (editor of the diary)]
—A little half-sister was born to the poor old dozen at Cavendish Sq. this morning — 30 years after May (sic, Meriel was 30). Sybella was frightfully ill, and the poor little thing suffered much in the birth, but all went well, and she is comfortable. It is rather a pretty little baby. [FN: Sarah Kathleen, now Mrs. John Bailey. (editor of the diary)]
18Apr1870, Granny's Funeral
HAGLEY, April 18th, 1870.
—It was a glorious sunny weather, such a help and blessing. Dear Granny was laid near her husband in the vault which was opened under the S. wall of the chancel. A long train of children, grandchildren, and others and nearly all the servants followed (not her, only the worn-out tabernacle that her dear spirit must so gladly have left behind). I felt heavy-hearted, as I thought of that last "going to church" and called up the sight of her familiar, steady, dignified walk down the old path. If we could but realize the blessedness of the change to the Better Land where they need no Temple ! But I can't as I ought.
—It was a glorious sunny weather, such a help and blessing. Dear Granny was laid near her husband in the vault which was opened under the S. wall of the chancel. A long train of children, grandchildren, and others and nearly all the servants followed (not her, only the worn-out tabernacle that her dear spirit must so gladly have left behind). I felt heavy-hearted, as I thought of that last "going to church" and called up the sight of her familiar, steady, dignified walk down the old path. If we could but realize the blessedness of the change to the Better Land where they need no Temple ! But I can't as I ought.
05Apr1870, Missed Church
LONDON, April 5th, 1870.
—Missed church these 2 days, alas ! To-day was busy looking over the Woodford report.
—Missed church these 2 days, alas ! To-day was busy looking over the Woodford report.
31Mar1870, Papa's Turns 53
27Mar1870, Mr. Liddon's Sermon
LONDON, March 27th, 1870.
—B. was in great excitement over Mr. Liddon's sermon in S. James' : the crowds to hear him are tremendous. [FN: I myself can remember that it was necessary, when Liddon preached at St. Paul's in the late eighties, to be there by 1.30 if one wished to have a seat for the service which began at 3.15. Many stood all through the service and an hour and a half before it began.(Editor John Bailey)]
—B. was in great excitement over Mr. Liddon's sermon in S. James' : the crowds to hear him are tremendous. [FN: I myself can remember that it was necessary, when Liddon preached at St. Paul's in the late eighties, to be there by 1.30 if one wished to have a seat for the service which began at 3.15. Many stood all through the service and an hour and a half before it began.(Editor John Bailey)]
08Mar1870, Hearing Dickens Read
LONDON, March 8th, 1870.
—We went to hear Dickens read "Boots at the Holly Tree Inn," a bit from "Oliver Twist" and from "Pickwick" : the first was much the best, tho' Fagin was wonderful. (He died very soon after.)
—We went to hear Dickens read "Boots at the Holly Tree Inn," a bit from "Oliver Twist" and from "Pickwick" : the first was much the best, tho' Fagin was wonderful. (He died very soon after.)
27Feb1870, Quinquagesima
LONDON, February 27th, 1870. Quinquagesima.
—I went to the early Communion, which we think of beginning regularly.
—I went to the early Communion, which we think of beginning regularly.
26Feb1870, Clothes for a Poor Dressmaker
LONDON, February 26th, 1870.
—A poor dressmaker to whom I gave some old clothes on Tuesday, having reason to believe her story true, came overcome with gratitude to-night to say she had got work the very day after. Such a contrast, in the decent clothes and with a brightened face, to the poor, ragged, starved tramp who tottered into the room on Tuesday, crying helplessly and yet giving me the impression of respectability. I keep thanking God over and over for letting me do this.
—A poor dressmaker to whom I gave some old clothes on Tuesday, having reason to believe her story true, came overcome with gratitude to-night to say she had got work the very day after. Such a contrast, in the decent clothes and with a brightened face, to the poor, ragged, starved tramp who tottered into the room on Tuesday, crying helplessly and yet giving me the impression of respectability. I keep thanking God over and over for letting me do this.
24Feb1870, Dinner With the Prince, a Scandal
LONDON, February 24th, 1870.
—Last night we dined at No. 11 to meet the Wales' : it was horrid for poor Auntie P. ; was all settled before the scandal got into the papers. However, to everyone's relief, the Prince appeared voluntarily to-day as a witness, [FN: In the Mordaunt divorce case] gave very straightforward evidence, solemnly denied being guilty, and is generally believed to be quite cleared. The dinner and evening went off very well ; the Princess looked lovely, but very sad when she was not exerting herself.
By way of contrast, Agnes and I went off to-night to tea at Limehouse, which was a great success.
—Last night we dined at No. 11 to meet the Wales' : it was horrid for poor Auntie P. ; was all settled before the scandal got into the papers. However, to everyone's relief, the Prince appeared voluntarily to-day as a witness, [FN: In the Mordaunt divorce case] gave very straightforward evidence, solemnly denied being guilty, and is generally believed to be quite cleared. The dinner and evening went off very well ; the Princess looked lovely, but very sad when she was not exerting herself.
By way of contrast, Agnes and I went off to-night to tea at Limehouse, which was a great success.
20Feb1870, Reading Ruskin
LONDON, February 20th, 1870.
—I am much bewitched with my 1st dip into Ruskin.
—I am much bewitched with my 1st dip into Ruskin.
19Feb1870, Meeting Max Müller
LONDON, February 19th, 1870.
—Our coachman being unkind enough to have laid himself up with influenza, we had to go in a hired tub to dine at the Palgraves'. Met Professor Max Müller ; a very quiet, unaffected, pleasant man, with a decided German accent ; he thinks himself quite English. We talked arts and sciences and Mr. Palgrave lent me Ruskin's book on Landscape Painters, on my saying I had been unlucky enough never to have read him. Drum at Ly. de Grey's.
—Our coachman being unkind enough to have laid himself up with influenza, we had to go in a hired tub to dine at the Palgraves'. Met Professor Max Müller ; a very quiet, unaffected, pleasant man, with a decided German accent ; he thinks himself quite English. We talked arts and sciences and Mr. Palgrave lent me Ruskin's book on Landscape Painters, on my saying I had been unlucky enough never to have read him. Drum at Ly. de Grey's.
16Feb1870, The Poverty of London
LONDON, February 16th, 1870.
—We went to a drum at No. 11, and I talked a little to Mr. Goschen. Johnny had asked him a question about the poverty of London in the House, "if his attention had been called to it," and poor Mr. Goschen answered that you might as well ask a man engaged in a terrible struggle whether his attention had been called to the fact that he had an enemy in front of him. But what is to be done? There is a movement for making charitable agencies and the poor-law work together, which would be admirable ; but the difficulties are said to be enormous. The Bp. of Exeter was at the party, to B.'s intense delight, for she worships him. [FN: Dr. Temple, whom "B." (Beatrice Lascelles) afterwards married.] He told her he had no hope but that opposition would follow him to his dying day ; and that it was a great grief to offend so many good men. He looks brave and cheerful nevertheless.
—We went to a drum at No. 11, and I talked a little to Mr. Goschen. Johnny had asked him a question about the poverty of London in the House, "if his attention had been called to it," and poor Mr. Goschen answered that you might as well ask a man engaged in a terrible struggle whether his attention had been called to the fact that he had an enemy in front of him. But what is to be done? There is a movement for making charitable agencies and the poor-law work together, which would be admirable ; but the difficulties are said to be enormous. The Bp. of Exeter was at the party, to B.'s intense delight, for she worships him. [FN: Dr. Temple, whom "B." (Beatrice Lascelles) afterwards married.] He told her he had no hope but that opposition would follow him to his dying day ; and that it was a great grief to offend so many good men. He looks brave and cheerful nevertheless.
28Jan1870, William and Victor Meet Again
HOLKER, January 28th, 1870.
—William and Victor met downstairs for the 1st time for a fortnight, and it was the prettiest sight in the world. William was quite crazy with delight (reminding me in the most whimsical way of Friday's joy at seeing his father, in "Robinson Crusoe" !). He would never leave him, and all his tyrannical ways disappeared as he evidently thought him a tender little invalid who must be petted : called his name over and over again in a darling little soft voice, peering up into his face ; showed him pictures, picked up what he dropped, and kept breaking out into squeaks of bliss and laughter. Meanwhile Victor received all demonstrations with dignity, slowly thawed into smiles, and finally they trotted about the room together. It was the more comical, that Victor, tho' thinner than he was, is still far the biggest of the two, having again gained upon W. in height during his illness.
—William and Victor met downstairs for the 1st time for a fortnight, and it was the prettiest sight in the world. William was quite crazy with delight (reminding me in the most whimsical way of Friday's joy at seeing his father, in "Robinson Crusoe" !). He would never leave him, and all his tyrannical ways disappeared as he evidently thought him a tender little invalid who must be petted : called his name over and over again in a darling little soft voice, peering up into his face ; showed him pictures, picked up what he dropped, and kept breaking out into squeaks of bliss and laughter. Meanwhile Victor received all demonstrations with dignity, slowly thawed into smiles, and finally they trotted about the room together. It was the more comical, that Victor, tho' thinner than he was, is still far the biggest of the two, having again gained upon W. in height during his illness.
19Jan1870, The Footman has Rheumatic Fever
HOLKER, January 19th, 1870.
—Poor George the footman has rheumatic fever : such a sick house never was.
HOLKER, January 20th, 1870.
—George grew so much worse, that late in the evening (unknown to us) the doctor came and bled him—such an unheard-of thing nowadays, that we telegraphed
January 21st, 1870. — for Dr. de Vitre, who thinks very seriously of his case, and also of poor Porter, the groom of the chambers, who has a very bad throat.
HOLKER, January 22nd, 1870.
—The 1st thing we heard in the morning was the sad news of George's death at 1 o'clock. . . .
—Poor George the footman has rheumatic fever : such a sick house never was.
HOLKER, January 20th, 1870.
—George grew so much worse, that late in the evening (unknown to us) the doctor came and bled him—such an unheard-of thing nowadays, that we telegraphed
January 21st, 1870. — for Dr. de Vitre, who thinks very seriously of his case, and also of poor Porter, the groom of the chambers, who has a very bad throat.
HOLKER, January 22nd, 1870.
—The 1st thing we heard in the morning was the sad news of George's death at 1 o'clock. . . .
11Dec1869, Exeunt the Listowels
CHATSWORTH, December 11th, 1869.
—Exeunt the Listowels, and the "company time" is over ; 3 cheers ! Not that it has not been pleasant, and successful, but 0 to be on one's own hind legs for 6 weeks !
—Exeunt the Listowels, and the "company time" is over ; 3 cheers ! Not that it has not been pleasant, and successful, but 0 to be on one's own hind legs for 6 weeks !
08Dec1869, Personal Infallibility of the Pope
CHATSWORTH, December 8th, 1869.
—At Rome the Bishops of the Roman Church are mustering for the so-called Œcumenical Council. The Ultramontane Italian party are said to be firmly resolved on decreeing the "personal infallibility of the Pope"—a monstrous new dogma, which one of their authorized catechisms now in use puts down as a "Protestant invention." There have been protests from the German clergy, and one Père Hyacinthe in France ran such a tilt against the Ultramontanes that he has been forced to throw up his position, and has been excommunicated. The Roman party affect to ignore these protests, but lately Dupanloup, Bishop of Orleans, a strong Catholic, has written an earnest appeal against such a decree being passed ; and they can hardly ignore him, It seems a desperate turning to bay.
—At Rome the Bishops of the Roman Church are mustering for the so-called Œcumenical Council. The Ultramontane Italian party are said to be firmly resolved on decreeing the "personal infallibility of the Pope"—a monstrous new dogma, which one of their authorized catechisms now in use puts down as a "Protestant invention." There have been protests from the German clergy, and one Père Hyacinthe in France ran such a tilt against the Ultramontanes that he has been forced to throw up his position, and has been excommunicated. The Roman party affect to ignore these protests, but lately Dupanloup, Bishop of Orleans, a strong Catholic, has written an earnest appeal against such a decree being passed ; and they can hardly ignore him, It seems a desperate turning to bay.
07Dec1869, Treassures Found in a Corner
CHATSWORTH, December 7th, 1869.
—The quaintest little old children's carriages have been found in a corner, which must have been made for the late Duke and his sisters, or for his left-handed brethren, the Cliffords : one is shaped like a cockle-shell ; mounted on high green and gold wheels, and fitted with single and double harness for dogs ! The shafts and pole are twisted snakes, and there is a comical hood. Also two spotted rocking-horses.
—The quaintest little old children's carriages have been found in a corner, which must have been made for the late Duke and his sisters, or for his left-handed brethren, the Cliffords : one is shaped like a cockle-shell ; mounted on high green and gold wheels, and fitted with single and double harness for dogs ! The shafts and pole are twisted snakes, and there is a comical hood. Also two spotted rocking-horses.
23Nov1869, Touring Chatsworth
CHATSWORTH, November 23rd, 1869.
—We took the folk over the state-rooms. The arrangement of Chiswick china in the little ante-state-room, which has been hung with red-lining paper and turned into a regular china-closet, is generally admired.
—We took the folk over the state-rooms. The arrangement of Chiswick china in the little ante-state-room, which has been hung with red-lining paper and turned into a regular china-closet, is generally admired.
22Nov1869, A Migihty Brigade Arrives
CHATSWORTH, November 22nd, 1869.
—A mighty brigade of folk arrived (13 of them at once), viz., Aunt Caroline, May and B., the American Minister, Mrs. and 2 Miss Motleys, Mr. Montgomery and daughter, the St. Albans', Messrs. Cowper, W. Coke, etc.
—A mighty brigade of folk arrived (13 of them at once), viz., Aunt Caroline, May and B., the American Minister, Mrs. and 2 Miss Motleys, Mr. Montgomery and daughter, the St. Albans', Messrs. Cowper, W. Coke, etc.
21Nov1869, A Visit to Lady Paxton
CHATSWORTH, November 21st, 1869.
—I went with Madge to see Ly. Paxton, who is very shaky ; makes her curtsey and calls one Your Ladyship and is as simple as if she were still the housekeeper's niece courted by the gardener's boy as of old.
—I went with Madge to see Ly. Paxton, who is very shaky ; makes her curtsey and calls one Your Ladyship and is as simple as if she were still the housekeeper's niece courted by the gardener's boy as of old.
18Nov1869, Kitty Delighted
CHATSWORTH, November 18th, 1869.
—Kitty delighted ; also she sketches things, and pounces upon books, "Liber Veritatis," [FN: Claude's " Liber Veritatis," one of the treasures of Chatsworth.] etc., all over the house.
—Kitty delighted ; also she sketches things, and pounces upon books, "Liber Veritatis," [FN: Claude's " Liber Veritatis," one of the treasures of Chatsworth.] etc., all over the house.
17Nov1869, Westminster Leaves the Oddest Will
CHATSWORTH, November 17th, 1869.
—Old Lord Westminster is dead (some time ago), leaving the oddest will : one place to the Shaw-Stewarts, another to Lord Dicky, after his mother's death, who has besides the whole of the personalty. Lord Grosvenor is immeasurably rich, but probably short of ready money.
—Old Lord Westminster is dead (some time ago), leaving the oddest will : one place to the Shaw-Stewarts, another to Lord Dicky, after his mother's death, who has besides the whole of the personalty. Lord Grosvenor is immeasurably rich, but probably short of ready money.
16Nov1869, The Kitty Clives
CHATSWORTH, November 16th, 1869.
—The Kitty Clives [FN: Meysey Clive of Whitfield and Lady Katherine , daughter of the 7th Earl of Denbigh.]came yesterday, and I walked with her. She is in raptures over the place, house, pictures, sketches, etc.
—The Kitty Clives [FN: Meysey Clive of Whitfield and Lady Katherine , daughter of the 7th Earl of Denbigh.]came yesterday, and I walked with her. She is in raptures over the place, house, pictures, sketches, etc.
10Nov1869, Little William and Little Victor
CHATSWORTH, November 10th, 1869.
—William and Victor [FN: William Egerton and Victor Cavendish.] are increasing in charms ; they continue to be entire contrasts to each other. William as quick and sharp as a needle, impetuous, eager, and imitative, his little person wiry and long-legged, and his small trotting feet always in a hurry ; Victor fat and meditative, hardly ever seizes the point of one's remarks to him at the moment, but by and bye one catches him doing the thing he was told ; waddles with feet wide apart and is still bigger than Wm. sometimes very merry with jolly jokes of his own, but never hurries himself. Both are very fond of each other, and have taken to dancing together, holding hands—spasmodic little jumps delightful to see.
—William and Victor [FN: William Egerton and Victor Cavendish.] are increasing in charms ; they continue to be entire contrasts to each other. William as quick and sharp as a needle, impetuous, eager, and imitative, his little person wiry and long-legged, and his small trotting feet always in a hurry ; Victor fat and meditative, hardly ever seizes the point of one's remarks to him at the moment, but by and bye one catches him doing the thing he was told ; waddles with feet wide apart and is still bigger than Wm. sometimes very merry with jolly jokes of his own, but never hurries himself. Both are very fond of each other, and have taken to dancing together, holding hands—spasmodic little jumps delightful to see.
22Sep1869, A Baby Expected
HOLKER, September 22nd, 1869.
—There is actually a baby expected—stupid of me to feel this a pang, but 0 dear ! if it could but be me instead ! for it is an anxious thing for poor little Louey. [FN: Her husband's cousin Louisa Howard, married to Hon. Cecil Foljambe, afterwards 1st Earl of Liverpool.]
—There is actually a baby expected—stupid of me to feel this a pang, but 0 dear ! if it could but be me instead ! for it is an anxious thing for poor little Louey. [FN: Her husband's cousin Louisa Howard, married to Hon. Cecil Foljambe, afterwards 1st Earl of Liverpool.]
19Sep1869, My Poor Workhouse Hero
HOLKER, September 19th, 1869.
—I have heard from my poor workhouse hero, who is safe in Canada, and has an appointment as Wesleyan minister ! ! ! !
—I have heard from my poor workhouse hero, who is safe in Canada, and has an appointment as Wesleyan minister ! ! ! !
31Aug1869, To the Picture Gallery
DRESDEN, August 31st, 1869.
—I had to take Shepherd [FN: Lord Frederick was ill.] with me to the picture gallery. She was delighted. The younger of the two cherubs in the San Sisto is really like little Victor, only darker.
—I had to take Shepherd [FN: Lord Frederick was ill.] with me to the picture gallery. She was delighted. The younger of the two cherubs in the San Sisto is really like little Victor, only darker.
24Aug1869, Würzburg Cathedral
WURZBURG, August 24th, 1869.
—The cathedral, though of the 11th century, looks like 1700 personified, having been done up with frightful white plaster—cherubs and sprawling figures all over the roof ; the monuments and altars out-Herod Westminster Abbey. There was one charming monstrosity : a woman with an air unveiling a bust of a quizzical James I style of Bishop in a curly wig, who looks up complacently at finding himself unbonneted ; close by he appears again heaving himself out of his grave. I am truly delighted at finding this style of thing is not peculiar to English Protestantism.
—The cathedral, though of the 11th century, looks like 1700 personified, having been done up with frightful white plaster—cherubs and sprawling figures all over the roof ; the monuments and altars out-Herod Westminster Abbey. There was one charming monstrosity : a woman with an air unveiling a bust of a quizzical James I style of Bishop in a curly wig, who looks up complacently at finding himself unbonneted ; close by he appears again heaving himself out of his grave. I am truly delighted at finding this style of thing is not peculiar to English Protestantism.
19Aug1869, A Most Beautiful Grasshopper
KISSINGEN, August 19th, 1869.
—We saw perched on the inside of my umbrella a most beautiful winged grasshopper, the size of a large dragon-fly and of the most vivid green. We could study his countenance and see the Biblical likeness to a horse in the shape of his head.
—We saw perched on the inside of my umbrella a most beautiful winged grasshopper, the size of a large dragon-fly and of the most vivid green. We could study his countenance and see the Biblical likeness to a horse in the shape of his head.
02Aug1869, The Stupid Gas Bath
KISSINGEN, August 2nd, 1869.
—We are destined to make a "fiasco" of the stupid gas bath. I took my seat in one with great pomp this afternoon, and was shut up in it for a quarter of an hour, sitting tight for the gas to arrive. I looked like the old woman who lived in a shoe, and can only hope the resemblance may go further ! but as to the gas it never came at all !
—We are destined to make a "fiasco" of the stupid gas bath. I took my seat in one with great pomp this afternoon, and was shut up in it for a quarter of an hour, sitting tight for the gas to arrive. I looked like the old woman who lived in a shoe, and can only hope the resemblance may go further ! but as to the gas it never came at all !
27Jul1869, Letter from Henry Tuckley
KISSINGEN, July 27th, 1869. (sic)
—Had a touching letter from Henry Tuckley, a young man who was taken to St. Martin's workhouse in a half-mad state, and whose story of running away from his employer in consequence of a love disappointment, with £40 of his father's money, while drunk, and spending about a month in London not knowing what he was about, seems on inquiry to be true. He was evidently respectable, and, as it was a first fall, tho' such a terrible one, the good Master of the Workhouse took interest in him and told me about him and I got him under Mr. Shaw Stewart at the Newport Market refuge. We have got the money for him to emigrate to Canada, and it remains to be seen how he turns out. If well, it will be a joy and encouragement all one's life long, amid the evil and humbug of the world. (Heard startlingly soon that he had become a Wesley minister ! ! Wrote to caution him.)
—Had a touching letter from Henry Tuckley, a young man who was taken to St. Martin's workhouse in a half-mad state, and whose story of running away from his employer in consequence of a love disappointment, with £40 of his father's money, while drunk, and spending about a month in London not knowing what he was about, seems on inquiry to be true. He was evidently respectable, and, as it was a first fall, tho' such a terrible one, the good Master of the Workhouse took interest in him and told me about him and I got him under Mr. Shaw Stewart at the Newport Market refuge. We have got the money for him to emigrate to Canada, and it remains to be seen how he turns out. If well, it will be a joy and encouragement all one's life long, amid the evil and humbug of the world. (Heard startlingly soon that he had become a Wesley minister ! ! Wrote to caution him.)
27Jul1869, Every Shade of Bad Complexion
KISSINGEN, July 27th, 1869.
—Got up soon after 6 and went out to drink half-tumblers of Radosky. It is cold and fizzy and far from nasty, but I find 3 glasses hard work as I am never in the least thirsty before midday. Everything very Emslike ; crowds of creaky people with every shade of bad complexion —the pasty, the muddy, the green, and poor Mr. Joddrell who is purple. Also varieties of quizzes, but not such pronounced ones as at Ems. This place has no gambling-hall, and is reckoned dull and respectable ; so much the better. We met Lord Walter Scott, and F. shot [FN: see Glossary] a German Jew from Bradford, one of his constituents, a wonderful, round old fellow with no neck, in a velvet coat.
—Got up soon after 6 and went out to drink half-tumblers of Radosky. It is cold and fizzy and far from nasty, but I find 3 glasses hard work as I am never in the least thirsty before midday. Everything very Emslike ; crowds of creaky people with every shade of bad complexion —the pasty, the muddy, the green, and poor Mr. Joddrell who is purple. Also varieties of quizzes, but not such pronounced ones as at Ems. This place has no gambling-hall, and is reckoned dull and respectable ; so much the better. We met Lord Walter Scott, and F. shot [FN: see Glossary] a German Jew from Bradford, one of his constituents, a wonderful, round old fellow with no neck, in a velvet coat.
23July1869, Traveling to Germany
BOAT TO OSTEND, July 23rd, 1869.
—We left London at 8, and travelled right through to Cologne, crossing from Dover to Ostend. Lovely peaceful night passage ; none of us ill. We slept in a deck cabin for 3 hours or so, but dead tired was I nevertheless when we got to the Hotel Bellevue at 'Deutz at 4. Lazy till early bed. We have a handsome courier called Kern.
—We left London at 8, and travelled right through to Cologne, crossing from Dover to Ostend. Lovely peaceful night passage ; none of us ill. We slept in a deck cabin for 3 hours or so, but dead tired was I nevertheless when we got to the Hotel Bellevue at 'Deutz at 4. Lazy till early bed. We have a handsome courier called Kern.
22Jul1869, Matters are All Arranged
LONDON, July 22nd, 1869.
—The political thunderstorm has entirely cleared the air ! Matters are all arranged by certain small concessions on the part of the Govt. and much repentance on the part of the Lords ; Lord Cairns amenable, Lord Grey apologetic! ! ! And so the great measure of justice is passed. I never felt so strongly the beautiful balance of the Constitution, which has been like a grand ship straining fearfully in a dangerous storm, and righting herself when all seemed lost. Both sides are glad and relieved. One can only thank God and take courage. Uncle W. came home absolutely overcome. He said he wished to go straight to church! The Archbishop of Canterbury has been the moving spring of influence that has brought it all about : it is immensely to his credit, as he is no lover of the Bill.
—The political thunderstorm has entirely cleared the air ! Matters are all arranged by certain small concessions on the part of the Govt. and much repentance on the part of the Lords ; Lord Cairns amenable, Lord Grey apologetic! ! ! And so the great measure of justice is passed. I never felt so strongly the beautiful balance of the Constitution, which has been like a grand ship straining fearfully in a dangerous storm, and righting herself when all seemed lost. Both sides are glad and relieved. One can only thank God and take courage. Uncle W. came home absolutely overcome. He said he wished to go straight to church! The Archbishop of Canterbury has been the moving spring of influence that has brought it all about : it is immensely to his credit, as he is no lover of the Bill.
20Jul1869, Speeches Against Compromise
LONDON, July 20th, 1869.
—There was an odious reckless debate in the Lords, Lord Cairns, Lord Grey, and Lord Salisbury (which was unexpected) all making violent speeches against concession or compromise, and a majority of over 70 decided on sticking to their own preamble, which cuts out the words by which the surplus is excluded from religious uses. Hereupon Lord Granville adjourned to "consult with his colleagues." ...
Uncle W. dined.... He was very unhappy, dreading worse terms being imposed on the Church hereafter, and foreboding danger to the H. of Lords.
—There was an odious reckless debate in the Lords, Lord Cairns, Lord Grey, and Lord Salisbury (which was unexpected) all making violent speeches against concession or compromise, and a majority of over 70 decided on sticking to their own preamble, which cuts out the words by which the surplus is excluded from religious uses. Hereupon Lord Granville adjourned to "consult with his colleagues." ...
Uncle W. dined.... He was very unhappy, dreading worse terms being imposed on the Church hereafter, and foreboding danger to the H. of Lords.
09Jul1869, Making A Hash of the Bill
LONDON, July 9th, 1869.
—The Lords are making a dreadful hash of the Bill, such as permitting the present Irish Bishops to sit on in the House of Lords after the disestablishment, like ghosts.
—The Lords are making a dreadful hash of the Bill, such as permitting the present Irish Bishops to sit on in the House of Lords after the disestablishment, like ghosts.
07Jul1869, Not Smart Enough
LONDON, July 7th, 1869.
—Drove with Lou to a breakfast at Holland House. Wasn't smart enough and so felt rather unhappy, such is human weakness.
—Drove with Lou to a breakfast at Holland House. Wasn't smart enough and so felt rather unhappy, such is human weakness.
04Jul1869, Speak Above One's Breath
DUFFERIN LODGE, July 4th, 1869.
—Church. At Miss Coutts's new church in the morning. Bishop Harris of Gibraltar preacht well. Responses and singing spiritless and sleepy to a degree : it seems impossible in England to have a full sound without a choir. Why don't people learn Public Worship from the Psalms ? "Sing praises lustily with a good courage." "Sing we merrily . . . make a cheerful noise." I believe there is a wretched prim notion among "respectable" people that it is improper to speak above one's breath.
—Church. At Miss Coutts's new church in the morning. Bishop Harris of Gibraltar preacht well. Responses and singing spiritless and sleepy to a degree : it seems impossible in England to have a full sound without a choir. Why don't people learn Public Worship from the Psalms ? "Sing praises lustily with a good courage." "Sing we merrily . . . make a cheerful noise." I believe there is a wretched prim notion among "respectable" people that it is improper to speak above one's breath.
01Jul1869, Edward Talbot at Kebel College
LONDON, July 1st, 1869.
—The great news of Edward Talbot's appointment to the Headship of "Keble College" at Oxford is given out now, and is delightful : such a compliment to a man of 25 ! Mr. Liddon was privately asked to take it, but refused.
—The great news of Edward Talbot's appointment to the Headship of "Keble College" at Oxford is given out now, and is delightful : such a compliment to a man of 25 ! Mr. Liddon was privately asked to take it, but refused.
28Jun1869, The Queen's Garden Party
LONDON, June 28th, 1869.
—The Queen held a breakfast [FN: I.e. a Garden Party.] in Buckingham Palace Gardens, so brilliant and pretty it was ; gowns of every colour of the rainbow ; canary from head to foot amongst others ! Papa and Sybella were there ; how it is one takes that so calmly I can't tell, but so it is. The 2 new romances swallow it up, and it is restful to see Papa so happy and peaceful. She was presented to the Queen, who kissed her. Also H.M. kissed me, and asked which was the sister going to be married. Drum at Stafford H. in honour of the Viceroy.
—The Queen held a breakfast [FN: I.e. a Garden Party.] in Buckingham Palace Gardens, so brilliant and pretty it was ; gowns of every colour of the rainbow ; canary from head to foot amongst others ! Papa and Sybella were there ; how it is one takes that so calmly I can't tell, but so it is. The 2 new romances swallow it up, and it is restful to see Papa so happy and peaceful. She was presented to the Queen, who kissed her. Also H.M. kissed me, and asked which was the sister going to be married. Drum at Stafford H. in honour of the Viceroy.
21Jun1869, Generally With the Poor
LONDON, June 21st, 1869.
—Eastward. I tried to talk to a miserable girl who knew absolutely nothing of religion, but it was bewilderingly difficult, having nothing in common to start from, and no time to go really into it. 0 how it made me feel my own impotence! Generally with the poor you feel an intense sympathy in common : indeed they leave one far behind in strong personal faith : and then the Bible words are a consoling harmony.
—Eastward. I tried to talk to a miserable girl who knew absolutely nothing of religion, but it was bewilderingly difficult, having nothing in common to start from, and no time to go really into it. 0 how it made me feel my own impotence! Generally with the poor you feel an intense sympathy in common : indeed they leave one far behind in strong personal faith : and then the Bible words are a consoling harmony.
18Jun1869, Back to the Fires
LONDON, June 18th, 1869.
—All this time it is so cold we have been driven back to fires.
—All this time it is so cold we have been driven back to fires.
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
17Jun1869, Irish Church Bill Second Reading
LONDON, June 17th, 1869.
—Oh dear, dear ! political life has quite dropt out amid this excitement [FN: I.e. of her sister Lavinia's engagement to Edward Talbot : and her younger sister May's very brief engagement to Edward Denison. The latter had to be broken off, as his uncle, Speaker Denison, would not consent.] ! On Tuesday afternoon I had what was a huge treat in spite of other thoughts : a place with Mrs. Byng at the H. of Lords. They are debating upon the second reading of the Irish Church Bill, and we heard the Bp. of Peterborough (Magee) speak splendidly : wonderfully eloquent, brilliant and witty, and almost persuasive in spite of the badness of his case, for he is dead against the 2nd reading, and ended his speech with a fiery appeal to the Lords to run their heads against the wall by turning out the Bill. We also heard Ld. Grey ; it was good but difficult to hear ; he is a "leveller-up." Archbishop Trench was so fearfully grubous and grim, it was like nothing so much as a passing bell, and he is said to have called the House "my brethren" more than once !
—Oh dear, dear ! political life has quite dropt out amid this excitement [FN: I.e. of her sister Lavinia's engagement to Edward Talbot : and her younger sister May's very brief engagement to Edward Denison. The latter had to be broken off, as his uncle, Speaker Denison, would not consent.] ! On Tuesday afternoon I had what was a huge treat in spite of other thoughts : a place with Mrs. Byng at the H. of Lords. They are debating upon the second reading of the Irish Church Bill, and we heard the Bp. of Peterborough (Magee) speak splendidly : wonderfully eloquent, brilliant and witty, and almost persuasive in spite of the badness of his case, for he is dead against the 2nd reading, and ended his speech with a fiery appeal to the Lords to run their heads against the wall by turning out the Bill. We also heard Ld. Grey ; it was good but difficult to hear ; he is a "leveller-up." Archbishop Trench was so fearfully grubous and grim, it was like nothing so much as a passing bell, and he is said to have called the House "my brethren" more than once !
10Jun1869, Papa and Sybella are Married
02Jun1869, Dined Dullissimus Major
LONDON, June 2nd, 1869.
—Workhouse with Lavinia. Spencer breakfasts every morning with us. We had some snug reading, and went together at 5 to the R. Academy in its fine new rooms. Some good Millais and Landseers. Dined (dullissimus major) at Ly. Milton's ; I was lucky enough to sit by Aunt Fanny, or I should have gone to sleep.
—Workhouse with Lavinia. Spencer breakfasts every morning with us. We had some snug reading, and went together at 5 to the R. Academy in its fine new rooms. Some good Millais and Landseers. Dined (dullissimus major) at Ly. Milton's ; I was lucky enough to sit by Aunt Fanny, or I should have gone to sleep.
25May1869, The White May is Coming Out
CHATSWORTH, May 25th, 1869.
—It is a sad blow having to wear one's winter things and have regular fires at this time of year. It was pretty fine in the afternoon, and even E. winds can't help things smelling sweet ; the white May is coming out at last. May and I rode with F., who came back to luncheon ; I on Salvolatile, a charming little beast. China went on merrily, specially the clearing out of a wonderful ménagerie of odds and ends, knick-knacks and gimcracks, from the cabinet in the 1st state-room. [FN: This was china brought from Chiswick and now being placed at Chatsworth. Chiswick was not inhabited by any of the Duke's relations after the Duchess of Southerland's death.]
—It is a sad blow having to wear one's winter things and have regular fires at this time of year. It was pretty fine in the afternoon, and even E. winds can't help things smelling sweet ; the white May is coming out at last. May and I rode with F., who came back to luncheon ; I on Salvolatile, a charming little beast. China went on merrily, specially the clearing out of a wonderful ménagerie of odds and ends, knick-knacks and gimcracks, from the cabinet in the 1st state-room. [FN: This was china brought from Chiswick and now being placed at Chatsworth. Chiswick was not inhabited by any of the Duke's relations after the Duchess of Southerland's death.]
24May1869, Auntie P Overworked
Monday, January 25, 2010
18May1869, Finished "Phineas Finn"
CHATSWORTH, May 18th, 1869.
—Finished "Phineas Finn" [FN: Anthony Trollope's novel. I have heard it described by a Cabinet Minister as the truest picture of Parliamentary life in English fiction, And he quoted a Prime Minister who shared his opinion.] ; it has cleverness and some successful characters, but is a disagreeable, sham sort of book.
—Finished "Phineas Finn" [FN: Anthony Trollope's novel. I have heard it described by a Cabinet Minister as the truest picture of Parliamentary life in English fiction, And he quoted a Prime Minister who shared his opinion.] ; it has cleverness and some successful characters, but is a disagreeable, sham sort of book.
28Apr1869, Meeting Mrs. Mildmay
LONDON, April 28th, 1869.
—Meriel, the girls, and I and Charles, all saw Mrs. Mildmay for the 1st time at George St., Papa bringing her. It must have been even more awful for her than for us ! We all liked her much ; she is not in the least pretty, and looks some years older than she is (33), but she has a dear good face, and nice, steadfast-looking, kind eyes ; a very sweet voice, and a manner at once dignified and gentle. The children were brought down for her to see, which was a great help in the desperate stiffness and shyness of all parties. She first saw the girls alone and was very nice to them : begged them to think of her as a sister and to call her Sybella ; and to tell her everything Papa liked.
—Meriel, the girls, and I and Charles, all saw Mrs. Mildmay for the 1st time at George St., Papa bringing her. It must have been even more awful for her than for us ! We all liked her much ; she is not in the least pretty, and looks some years older than she is (33), but she has a dear good face, and nice, steadfast-looking, kind eyes ; a very sweet voice, and a manner at once dignified and gentle. The children were brought down for her to see, which was a great help in the desperate stiffness and shyness of all parties. She first saw the girls alone and was very nice to them : begged them to think of her as a sister and to call her Sybella ; and to tell her everything Papa liked.
27Apr1869, Papa is Engaged
LONDON, April 27th, 1869.
—It was a day of a great event ; Papa's engagement to Mrs. Mildmay, née Clive, was settled. I have said nothing about this before in my journal, but for months some of us have known and thought about it ; and now, thank God, we can all feel thankful that it has been brought to pass. There has been no managing or interference ; it has come about quite rightly and naturally, and so one can rest in the certainty that it is God's hand that has led dear Papa to this "evening-time light." He is very happy. She seems to be the very person one could have wished for ; we do not know her, but there is only one voice as to her goodness and gentleness and sense ; she is also very clever and accomplished.
—It was a day of a great event ; Papa's engagement to Mrs. Mildmay, née Clive, was settled. I have said nothing about this before in my journal, but for months some of us have known and thought about it ; and now, thank God, we can all feel thankful that it has been brought to pass. There has been no managing or interference ; it has come about quite rightly and naturally, and so one can rest in the certainty that it is God's hand that has led dear Papa to this "evening-time light." He is very happy. She seems to be the very person one could have wished for ; we do not know her, but there is only one voice as to her goodness and gentleness and sense ; she is also very clever and accomplished.
24Apr1869, Newly-Arranged National Gallery
LONDON, April 24th, 1869.
—Drove with the girls card-dropping ; they shopped, not I, viewing Saturday. [FN: She was active in the movement for closing shops on Saturday afternoon.] The shops in Regent Street are very generally closed. Dev. House late. F. and I went to a private view of the newly-arranged National Gallery, which now takes up the R. Academy rooms. It is delightfully well done. Dined at the Clarendons' ; meeting Seftons (0 dear ! he nearly drives me wild with his wonderful noise and bad style), Brunnows, Sir H. and Ly. Howard, Lord and Ly. Grey, Miss Lister, etc. The Clarendons in high delight at Lord Hyde's victory at Brecon over young Lord Claud Hamilton ; both had been beaten before. Drum at Ly. de Grey's with Lavinia.
—Drove with the girls card-dropping ; they shopped, not I, viewing Saturday. [FN: She was active in the movement for closing shops on Saturday afternoon.] The shops in Regent Street are very generally closed. Dev. House late. F. and I went to a private view of the newly-arranged National Gallery, which now takes up the R. Academy rooms. It is delightfully well done. Dined at the Clarendons' ; meeting Seftons (0 dear ! he nearly drives me wild with his wonderful noise and bad style), Brunnows, Sir H. and Ly. Howard, Lord and Ly. Grey, Miss Lister, etc. The Clarendons in high delight at Lord Hyde's victory at Brecon over young Lord Claud Hamilton ; both had been beaten before. Drum at Ly. de Grey's with Lavinia.
22Apr1869, Charlie Wood Marries Lady Cortenay
LONDON, April 22nd, 1869.
—Mr. Charlie Wood [FN: Now Viscount Halifax.] married Lady Agnes Courtenay : they received the H. Communion afterwards and the service took an hour and a half.
—Mr. Charlie Wood [FN: Now Viscount Halifax.] married Lady Agnes Courtenay : they received the H. Communion afterwards and the service took an hour and a half.
20Apr1869, Windsor Visit Ends
LONDON, April 20th, 1869.
—Princess Louise saw me to say good-bye, and so ends my new experience of Court life. Got back before 12. Went to see Lou. ; Cavendish came to dinner, and was a little cross and disloyal, I think on purpose to aggravate me.
—Princess Louise saw me to say good-bye, and so ends my new experience of Court life. Got back before 12. Went to see Lou. ; Cavendish came to dinner, and was a little cross and disloyal, I think on purpose to aggravate me.
Saturday, January 02, 2010
19Apr1869, Another Day at Windsor
WINDSOR, April 19th, 1869.
—At 4.30 I drove with the Queen and Princess Beatrice, and she took me again into the mausoleum, showing great pride and delight in it. The little Princess is very taking and intelligent, and rather pretty. We drove by Clewer and came back by the kitchen garden, where we had tea, the Queen making it and the little Princess jabbering away. My head is quite turned by the Queen sending me her 2 books ("Early Years" and "The Highlands"), with my name written by herself, "dear Lucy Cavendish." Dinner very pleasant, the Dean of Windsor [FN: Dean Wellesley] and the Ponsonbys coming ; the Dean talks straightforwardly and bluntly to the Queen, which she seems to like, and the conversation was animated. The Dean tries to get any notable preacher to preach before the Queen, and he said he had been much struck with a sermon of Mr. King's, the Cuddesdon Principal, and meant to get him. Talking of someone calling himself a Churchman because it might be supposed to answer better, "Humph," said the Dean, "it doesn't seem to answer particularly well nowadays!" The Queen saw the allusion at once, and laughed extremely. After dinner she and the Dean had a long confidential talk on the Irish Church. She told Cavendish, "Mr. Gladstone and I do not agree about the Irish Church, and he does not talk much to me about it." Nevertheless I know he has been pleased and struck with her conduct to him.
—At 4.30 I drove with the Queen and Princess Beatrice, and she took me again into the mausoleum, showing great pride and delight in it. The little Princess is very taking and intelligent, and rather pretty. We drove by Clewer and came back by the kitchen garden, where we had tea, the Queen making it and the little Princess jabbering away. My head is quite turned by the Queen sending me her 2 books ("Early Years" and "The Highlands"), with my name written by herself, "dear Lucy Cavendish." Dinner very pleasant, the Dean of Windsor [FN: Dean Wellesley] and the Ponsonbys coming ; the Dean talks straightforwardly and bluntly to the Queen, which she seems to like, and the conversation was animated. The Dean tries to get any notable preacher to preach before the Queen, and he said he had been much struck with a sermon of Mr. King's, the Cuddesdon Principal, and meant to get him. Talking of someone calling himself a Churchman because it might be supposed to answer better, "Humph," said the Dean, "it doesn't seem to answer particularly well nowadays!" The Queen saw the allusion at once, and laughed extremely. After dinner she and the Dean had a long confidential talk on the Irish Church. She told Cavendish, "Mr. Gladstone and I do not agree about the Irish Church, and he does not talk much to me about it." Nevertheless I know he has been pleased and struck with her conduct to him.
18Apr1869, All the Wales Children
WINDSOR, April 18th, 1869.
—Mr. White, of the Savoy Chapel, preached beautifully in the private Chapel, S. George's ; they sang "I beheld, and lo." The Christians were there, and Princess Louise, but she was sub rosa in the Queen's gallery. We saw all the Wales children in the corridor ; the eldest is generally called "Prince Eddy," which gives one hopes of having a King Edward again some day. He is like the Princess and very pretty ; all have the most dazzling fair complexions. Prince George, however, is hardly pretty, but looks a wag ; Princess Louise a tiny edition of Princess Alice ; and the baby a placid white creature, with prominent bright blue eyes, exactly like the Queen. All are terribly tiny and miniature in scale. I dined with the Queen ; the d'Alençons came, and we were very stiff and dull.
—Mr. White, of the Savoy Chapel, preached beautifully in the private Chapel, S. George's ; they sang "I beheld, and lo." The Christians were there, and Princess Louise, but she was sub rosa in the Queen's gallery. We saw all the Wales children in the corridor ; the eldest is generally called "Prince Eddy," which gives one hopes of having a King Edward again some day. He is like the Princess and very pretty ; all have the most dazzling fair complexions. Prince George, however, is hardly pretty, but looks a wag ; Princess Louise a tiny edition of Princess Alice ; and the baby a placid white creature, with prominent bright blue eyes, exactly like the Queen. All are terribly tiny and miniature in scale. I dined with the Queen ; the d'Alençons came, and we were very stiff and dull.
17Apr1869, Getting the Queen Out of Isolation
WINDSOR, April 17th, 1869.
—Unluckily it is chilly and stormy. The Queen, etc., went off in open carriages to a review at Aldershot. At 4½ we went to S. George's, where we had the great good fortune of coming in for "Sleepers, awake." Afterwards we drove together to Frogmore, and I had a long sit, first with Princess Helena, then with both her and her husband. She sent for her two children : the little 2-year-old a very pretty, attractive dot, the baby magnificent, but plain. It's nice to see such complete Darby and Joan happiness ; the Princess told me all about her long ill-health before the baby's birth, and her husband's devotion and care of her ; and indeed he looks a thorough bonhomme. I screwed up my courage, and when the Princess began upon the subject, I talked about the great desirability of the Queen's being near London during as much as may be of the session ; the journey to Scotland in May might well be conceded, if she would but give up Osborne at this time. Princess Helena said she believed it was a thing the Prime Minister could speak to the Queen about, but that he had far better put it plainly upon her duty as head of affairs, and, above all, not use the "People say" argument, which, she said, "exasperates Mamma." I dined again with the Queen. Who should be there but Cavendish ! It was great fun meeting him for the 1st time on his good behaviour. He enlivened the dinner a good deal. Whist.
—Unluckily it is chilly and stormy. The Queen, etc., went off in open carriages to a review at Aldershot. At 4½ we went to S. George's, where we had the great good fortune of coming in for "Sleepers, awake." Afterwards we drove together to Frogmore, and I had a long sit, first with Princess Helena, then with both her and her husband. She sent for her two children : the little 2-year-old a very pretty, attractive dot, the baby magnificent, but plain. It's nice to see such complete Darby and Joan happiness ; the Princess told me all about her long ill-health before the baby's birth, and her husband's devotion and care of her ; and indeed he looks a thorough bonhomme. I screwed up my courage, and when the Princess began upon the subject, I talked about the great desirability of the Queen's being near London during as much as may be of the session ; the journey to Scotland in May might well be conceded, if she would but give up Osborne at this time. Princess Helena said she believed it was a thing the Prime Minister could speak to the Queen about, but that he had far better put it plainly upon her duty as head of affairs, and, above all, not use the "People say" argument, which, she said, "exasperates Mamma." I dined again with the Queen. Who should be there but Cavendish ! It was great fun meeting him for the 1st time on his good behaviour. He enlivened the dinner a good deal. Whist.
16Apr1869, Back at Windsor
WINDSOR, April 16th, 1869.
—Here I am the very same days of the month as that last Windsor waiting of mine. The Queen and her outriders clattered into the court just as I flied up [FN: I.e., of course, drove up in a fly.]; and May soon turned up. I went to her room, and Florence Seymour's my successor, and was vividly reminded, not of Queens and castles and curtseys, but of my Fred and all I was then thinking about him! I dined with the Queen, who greeted me very kindly and affectionately, as did Princess Christian and Princess Louise. The company was the Christians, Ly. Gainsborough (in waiting), Lady Churchill, as engaging as ever, Ld. Normanby, and Gen. Seymour (not my friend). Col. Ponsonby, Sir J. Cowell, Gen. Grey, Ly. Bridport, and Lady Susan Melville were in the drawing-room ; and I played at whist just as of old. But, before leaving the Queen, she talked some time to me after dinner, and so did the Princesses. I thought the Queen very well and cheerful, and as full of gracious charm and simplicity as ever.
—Here I am the very same days of the month as that last Windsor waiting of mine. The Queen and her outriders clattered into the court just as I flied up [FN: I.e., of course, drove up in a fly.]; and May soon turned up. I went to her room, and Florence Seymour's my successor, and was vividly reminded, not of Queens and castles and curtseys, but of my Fred and all I was then thinking about him! I dined with the Queen, who greeted me very kindly and affectionately, as did Princess Christian and Princess Louise. The company was the Christians, Ly. Gainsborough (in waiting), Lady Churchill, as engaging as ever, Ld. Normanby, and Gen. Seymour (not my friend). Col. Ponsonby, Sir J. Cowell, Gen. Grey, Ly. Bridport, and Lady Susan Melville were in the drawing-room ; and I played at whist just as of old. But, before leaving the Queen, she talked some time to me after dinner, and so did the Princesses. I thought the Queen very well and cheerful, and as full of gracious charm and simplicity as ever.
15Apr1869, Invitation to Windsor
LONDON, April 15th, 1869.
—An invitation to Windsor for 3 nights ! ! the dear Queen hasn't seen me since I married. She won't have Fred ; I feel sure she has never forgiven him for standing on one leg and forgetting his manners that courting time at Osborne. Dreadfully flustered am I. Went to see the babe [FN: Lady Louisa Egerton's second son, Frederick ; he died of wounds received at Ladysmith in 1899.] nevertheless. Drove with dignity, dropping cards with Auntie P., in the ducal barouche.
—An invitation to Windsor for 3 nights ! ! the dear Queen hasn't seen me since I married. She won't have Fred ; I feel sure she has never forgiven him for standing on one leg and forgetting his manners that courting time at Osborne. Dreadfully flustered am I. Went to see the babe [FN: Lady Louisa Egerton's second son, Frederick ; he died of wounds received at Ladysmith in 1899.] nevertheless. Drove with dignity, dropping cards with Auntie P., in the ducal barouche.
10Apr1869, New Fashions
LONDON, April 10th, 1869.
—Dined at Sir Ch. Trevelyan's, meeting the W. James's and daughter, etc. I wore a square-cut blue silk trimmed with lace, with full hanging sleeves and a little lace and blue topknot ; a new fashion for London and destined, I hope, to cut out low gowns ! But alas ! at Lady de Grey's afterwards I was the only person minus shoulders.
—Dined at Sir Ch. Trevelyan's, meeting the W. James's and daughter, etc. I wore a square-cut blue silk trimmed with lace, with full hanging sleeves and a little lace and blue topknot ; a new fashion for London and destined, I hope, to cut out low gowns ! But alas ! at Lady de Grey's afterwards I was the only person minus shoulders.
03Apr1869, A New Theatre
LONDON, April 3rd, 1869.
—Evening alone ; we junketed off to the charming new theatre, the Gaiety, and saw a good comedy and a bad burlesque. The comedy, "Dreams."
—Evening alone ; we junketed off to the charming new theatre, the Gaiety, and saw a good comedy and a bad burlesque. The comedy, "Dreams."
28Mar1869, Snowy Easter at Chatsworth
CHATSWORTH, March 28th, 1869. Easter Day.
—A day that made me rather Hagley sick. All the morning there were howling snowstorms ; however, we fought our way to church ; but, 0, the cold, frozen services, giving one the terrible impression that nobody cared, and the scanty congregation. About 15 communicants.
—A day that made me rather Hagley sick. All the morning there were howling snowstorms ; however, we fought our way to church ; but, 0, the cold, frozen services, giving one the terrible impression that nobody cared, and the scanty congregation. About 15 communicants.
21Mar1869, A Sermon at Whitehall
LONDON, March 21st, 1869.
—Whitehall [FN: The Chapel Royal at Whitehall, now the United Service Museum], where Mr. Kingsley preached almost the most interesting sermon I ever heard, riveting one, in spite of ungainly delivery and harsh voice.
—Whitehall [FN: The Chapel Royal at Whitehall, now the United Service Museum], where Mr. Kingsley preached almost the most interesting sermon I ever heard, riveting one, in spite of ungainly delivery and harsh voice.
20Mar1869, Another Subject
LONDON, March 20th, 1869.
—Dined with the Bruces ; I was luckily placed between him and Sir G. Grey. Mr. B.[FN: Afterwards 1st Lord Aberdare.] said there was only 1 subject on which Uncle W. did not seem well up and interested, viz., National Education ! ! A large one.
—Dined with the Bruces ; I was luckily placed between him and Sir G. Grey. Mr. B.[FN: Afterwards 1st Lord Aberdare.] said there was only 1 subject on which Uncle W. did not seem well up and interested, viz., National Education ! ! A large one.
19Mar1869, Bright Spoke Like Isaiah
LONDON, March 19th, 1869.
—Bright spoke grandly, rather like Isaiah! His voice is painfully hoarse, and he is astonishingly aged ; but it doesn't mar the effect much.
—Bright spoke grandly, rather like Isaiah! His voice is painfully hoarse, and he is astonishingly aged ; but it doesn't mar the effect much.
13Mar1869, The Underground Railway
LONDON, March 13th, 1869.
—F. and I larked off to the S. Kensington Museum on foot, and thence to Portland Road by underground Railway ; my first experience of it. It was charming and wonderful, and far less underground than I expected. Walked from the station to All Saints' Workhouse.
—F. and I larked off to the S. Kensington Museum on foot, and thence to Portland Road by underground Railway ; my first experience of it. It was charming and wonderful, and far less underground than I expected. Walked from the station to All Saints' Workhouse.
12Mar1869, A Mug from Leveson
LONDON, March 12th, 1869.
—Dined at No. 11 with the Great Man and his daughters (Auntie P. and Mazy in bed ! resting) ; he was high-gee a little old Dresden mug given him by Ronald Leveson [FN: Lord Ronald Leveson-Gower, the author and dilettante.], sending for it at dinner to show off, and saying it was the fulfilment of the "dream of his life" to have such a shaped cup to drink coffee out of, but rather perplexed how to drink out of it at all, viewing the lid, which will stick into one's cheek. (N.B.—It is an undeniable mustard-pot!)
—Dined at No. 11 with the Great Man and his daughters (Auntie P. and Mazy in bed ! resting) ; he was high-gee a little old Dresden mug given him by Ronald Leveson [FN: Lord Ronald Leveson-Gower, the author and dilettante.], sending for it at dinner to show off, and saying it was the fulfilment of the "dream of his life" to have such a shaped cup to drink coffee out of, but rather perplexed how to drink out of it at all, viewing the lid, which will stick into one's cheek. (N.B.—It is an undeniable mustard-pot!)
02Mar1869, People Rave of the Speech
LONDON, March 2nd, 1869.
—Smart dinner at Mr. and Ly. Margaret Beaumont's ; sat between Lord Clarendon and Mr. Trevelyan, and was too well off. I was dying to hear what was going on between Ly. M., Ld. Salisbury and Ld. Clarendon. People rave of the speech and of Uncle W.'s moderation.
—Smart dinner at Mr. and Ly. Margaret Beaumont's ; sat between Lord Clarendon and Mr. Trevelyan, and was too well off. I was dying to hear what was going on between Ly. M., Ld. Salisbury and Ld. Clarendon. People rave of the speech and of Uncle W.'s moderation.
01Mar1869, The Great Irish Church Bill
LONDON, March 1st, 1869.—Workhouse. It is very wrong and shocking, how they allow poor people to die in the midst of a crowded ward, without even a curtain to draw round the bed. There was one woman dying to-day, but I think "earth was passed, and earthly pain," and that she was as much shut out from all around her as in the most carefully-guarded sick-room.
This moment, there so low,
So agonized, and now
Beyond the stars !
I drove after luncheon, and called on Ly. Trevelyan ; then to the House, where Uncle William brought in the great Irish Church Bill, in a grand, elaborate, beautifully arranged and digested, speech of 3 hours which appeared to leave out no detail ; and ending with one of his best and most heartfelt appeals, spoken with a voice wonderfully ringing and untired though full of emotion.
This moment, there so low,
So agonized, and now
Beyond the stars !
I drove after luncheon, and called on Ly. Trevelyan ; then to the House, where Uncle William brought in the great Irish Church Bill, in a grand, elaborate, beautifully arranged and digested, speech of 3 hours which appeared to leave out no detail ; and ending with one of his best and most heartfelt appeals, spoken with a voice wonderfully ringing and untired though full of emotion.
25Feb1869, Not Baptized
LONDON, February 25th, 1869.
—I spoke to Head a day or two ago, asking him whether he had been confirmed, and to-day discovered, to my horror, that he has never been baptized ! having been bred up a Baptist, and taken to church-going as he grew up, when the Baptists generally are baptized. Must try and induce him to have it done.
—I spoke to Head a day or two ago, asking him whether he had been confirmed, and to-day discovered, to my horror, that he has never been baptized ! having been bred up a Baptist, and taken to church-going as he grew up, when the Baptists generally are baptized. Must try and induce him to have it done.
20Feb1869, Charlotte is called Spencer's Fairy Queen
12Feb1869, Coursing in the Park
HOLKER, February 12th, 1869.
—Coursing came off in the mosses and the park ; Ld. R., Margaret, and I drove with Aunt Coque in the sociable, and the fat cockney coachman got so excited that he drove us down impossible places over the grass, to Aunt Coque's delight and Uncle Dick's terror.
—Coursing came off in the mosses and the park ; Ld. R., Margaret, and I drove with Aunt Coque in the sociable, and the fat cockney coachman got so excited that he drove us down impossible places over the grass, to Aunt Coque's delight and Uncle Dick's terror.
03Feb1869, There has been no winter
HOLKER, February 3rd, 1869.
—Soft, grey, and pleasant with silver light upon the sea. There has been no winter, whatever we may be going to have by way of spring. Some rhododendrons are out in the garden.
—Soft, grey, and pleasant with silver light upon the sea. There has been no winter, whatever we may be going to have by way of spring. Some rhododendrons are out in the garden.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
25Jan1869, Reading List
HOLKER, January 25th, 1869.
—Horrible wet gloomy day. No outing. Little William began to crawl ! I am reading Jeremy Taylor's "Liberty of Prophesying" and Lockhart with F., Senior's Journal (instead of "Greater Britain") to the Womankind, Hume, Cowper's Life and Letters and Mr. Suckling's Life to myself, and an occasional bit of Froude with B.
—Horrible wet gloomy day. No outing. Little William began to crawl ! I am reading Jeremy Taylor's "Liberty of Prophesying" and Lockhart with F., Senior's Journal (instead of "Greater Britain") to the Womankind, Hume, Cowper's Life and Letters and Mr. Suckling's Life to myself, and an occasional bit of Froude with B.
09Jan1869, Going Away
HAGLEY, January 9th, 1869.
—Darling Alfred took me to the station ; he turns my head by expressing affection ! and being so sorry I am going, in the most winsome way.
—Darling Alfred took me to the station ; he turns my head by expressing affection ! and being so sorry I am going, in the most winsome way.
31Dec1868, Low and Pathetic Today
HAGLEY, December 31st, 1868.
—I believe nobody ever had the dayums as I have ; I feel low and pathetic today, and shall be in high spirits to-morrow !
—I believe nobody ever had the dayums as I have ; I feel low and pathetic today, and shall be in high spirits to-morrow !
08Dec1868, Postmaster Cavendish
CHATSWORTH, December 8th, 1868.
—Cavendish telegraphed that he has accepted the Postmastership-General, with a seat in the Cabinet ; and he also wrote by post that Uncle W. had been very cordial, not pressing him to take Ireland, tho' saying that he thought it an important post just now, and showing that the want of a seat in Parliament was the only thing that made a difficulty about the Cabinet. This is supposed to be not insuperable, and the upshot was that he was offered the Home Office. But Mr. Bruce has evidently a higher claim to that, and Cavendish said that he would not stand in his way. Then the Post Office was settled.
—Cavendish telegraphed that he has accepted the Postmastership-General, with a seat in the Cabinet ; and he also wrote by post that Uncle W. had been very cordial, not pressing him to take Ireland, tho' saying that he thought it an important post just now, and showing that the want of a seat in Parliament was the only thing that made a difficulty about the Cabinet. This is supposed to be not insuperable, and the upshot was that he was offered the Home Office. But Mr. Bruce has evidently a higher claim to that, and Cavendish said that he would not stand in his way. Then the Post Office was settled.
07Dec1868, Another Proposed
CHATSWORTH, December 7th, 1868.
—He telegraphed "Ireland over ; another proposed." This is exciting. I rode with Lord George, Louey, and Mr. Strutt. Empress chose to kick.
—He telegraphed "Ireland over ; another proposed." This is exciting. I rode with Lord George, Louey, and Mr. Strutt. Empress chose to kick.
06Dec1868, Offer Far From Suitable
CHATSWORTH, December 6th, 1868.
—Cavendish got a private letter from Uncle W. offering him the Lord-Lieutenancy of Ireland, regretting that his being out of Parliament prevents his entering the Cabinet. The letter kind and cordial, but it is a considerable blow, as Cavendish's successful and steady work at the War Office in '66, and the Duke's 4 great contests just now, seemed to give him a claim. But there are many men of longer standing and higher claims, and this offer is of course a great compliment failing the Cabinet ; only it is far from suitable for a young bachelor ! The thing was kept as nearly secret as was compatible with Freddy, Eddy, Lord George, and Lou being married people ! Cavendish went up to London by the night train, intending to decline unless much pressed.
—Cavendish got a private letter from Uncle W. offering him the Lord-Lieutenancy of Ireland, regretting that his being out of Parliament prevents his entering the Cabinet. The letter kind and cordial, but it is a considerable blow, as Cavendish's successful and steady work at the War Office in '66, and the Duke's 4 great contests just now, seemed to give him a claim. But there are many men of longer standing and higher claims, and this offer is of course a great compliment failing the Cabinet ; only it is far from suitable for a young bachelor ! The thing was kept as nearly secret as was compatible with Freddy, Eddy, Lord George, and Lou being married people ! Cavendish went up to London by the night train, intending to decline unless much pressed.
27Nov1868, Lies About Popery
CHATSWORTH, November 27th, 1868.
—The two beaten brethren, Cavendish and Eddy, came home ; both cheery about it, but it was a great blow to both. Poor Emma much grieved ; and we are all rather rabid. "No Popery" has served Dizzy well in the counties ; the discoveries are remarkable anent it ; Mr. Gladstone and his wife are papists, one of his daughters is an abbess, and the Cavendishes for years past have been the tools of the Pope ! ! ! !
The Eddies delighted with their baby, who is indeed charming, always crowing and chirping with fun, and smiling all over his face like Eddy ; while his kicks are untiring.
—The two beaten brethren, Cavendish and Eddy, came home ; both cheery about it, but it was a great blow to both. Poor Emma much grieved ; and we are all rather rabid. "No Popery" has served Dizzy well in the counties ; the discoveries are remarkable anent it ; Mr. Gladstone and his wife are papists, one of his daughters is an abbess, and the Cavendishes for years past have been the tools of the Pope ! ! ! !
The Eddies delighted with their baby, who is indeed charming, always crowing and chirping with fun, and smiling all over his face like Eddy ; while his kicks are untiring.
25Nov1868, Eddy Defeated
CHATSWORTH, November 25th, 1868.
—We heard just before dinner last night the wretched news of Eddy's defeat by 120 ; and we do feel small and miserable. The counties are outrageously Tory.
—We heard just before dinner last night the wretched news of Eddy's defeat by 120 ; and we do feel small and miserable. The counties are outrageously Tory.
21Nov1868, Cavendish Beaten
CHATSWORTH, November 21st, 1868.
—A grievous disaster ! Cavendish beaten yesterday by 1,400 after all his hard work and F.'s canvassing and the indefatigable labours of friends and agents. We had not much hope, but didn't expect anything so hollow. The worst of it is, that it is as good as farewell, politically speaking, to N. Lancashire, after his 11 years' connexion with it and all the home ties.
—A grievous disaster ! Cavendish beaten yesterday by 1,400 after all his hard work and F.'s canvassing and the indefatigable labours of friends and agents. We had not much hope, but didn't expect anything so hollow. The worst of it is, that it is as good as farewell, politically speaking, to N. Lancashire, after his 11 years' connexion with it and all the home ties.
20Nov1868, Nominated at Bradford
ESHTON, November 20th, 1868.
—Our nomination was at Bradford, where, in spite of the borough having just ended its own desperate fight, about 2,000 people collected in front of the hustings. They were rather dull and silent during Sir F. Crossley's speech, but it was delightful to see them warm up into great enthusiasm during F.'s speech, which was the best I ever heard him make, vigorous, earnest, pointed, and with the sort of eloquence which comes out of deep conviction. He was trembling, not with nervousness, but enthusiasm. I nearly burst ! Afterwards came a big luncheon, when he was very warmly cheered. We got home for dinner, and were met by the capital news of Frank's and Mr. Strutt's victory.
—Our nomination was at Bradford, where, in spite of the borough having just ended its own desperate fight, about 2,000 people collected in front of the hustings. They were rather dull and silent during Sir F. Crossley's speech, but it was delightful to see them warm up into great enthusiasm during F.'s speech, which was the best I ever heard him make, vigorous, earnest, pointed, and with the sort of eloquence which comes out of deep conviction. He was trembling, not with nervousness, but enthusiasm. I nearly burst ! Afterwards came a big luncheon, when he was very warmly cheered. We got home for dinner, and were met by the capital news of Frank's and Mr. Strutt's victory.
14Nov1868, A Stump Speech
HOLKER, November 14th, 1868.
—Enjoyed myself much, going with Cavendish (tête-à-tête killing ! F. to Preston) to Ulverston, for his last meeting before the nomination. He spoke better than ever, said everybody, and indeed it was an excellent speech, exhaustive, well-argued, straightforward, spirited, and only just short of eloquent in parts, his only fault on the stump seems to be rather over-much gravity ; but the Lancashire people don't dislike that. I got highly excited, and so did the meeting. The energetic Mr. Fell entertained us at luncheon ; his little girls of 3 and 4 were over the moon, expecting to see a coach with bright-red flunkies ; I fear they were sadly disappointed.
—Enjoyed myself much, going with Cavendish (tête-à-tête killing ! F. to Preston) to Ulverston, for his last meeting before the nomination. He spoke better than ever, said everybody, and indeed it was an excellent speech, exhaustive, well-argued, straightforward, spirited, and only just short of eloquent in parts, his only fault on the stump seems to be rather over-much gravity ; but the Lancashire people don't dislike that. I got highly excited, and so did the meeting. The energetic Mr. Fell entertained us at luncheon ; his little girls of 3 and 4 were over the moon, expecting to see a coach with bright-red flunkies ; I fear they were sadly disappointed.
02Nov1868, Holker in the Glow of Autumn
HOLKER, November 2nd, 1868.
—Splendid day of many colours and glorious W. wind. F. to Barrow, but came home to luncheon and rode with me quite late in a stormy afternoon to Grange ; it was very nice ! and I enjoyed a tremendous spatter of rain when we were full go. In the morning, Mary [FN: Mary Gladstone.] and I went to Humphrey Head, and had a grand fight with the wind ; the sea quite uppish ; we went down to the extreme point and were such babies as to do a little paddling barefooted in the waves. I never saw this place in the full glow of autumn before, and it is a treat.
—Splendid day of many colours and glorious W. wind. F. to Barrow, but came home to luncheon and rode with me quite late in a stormy afternoon to Grange ; it was very nice ! and I enjoyed a tremendous spatter of rain when we were full go. In the morning, Mary [FN: Mary Gladstone.] and I went to Humphrey Head, and had a grand fight with the wind ; the sea quite uppish ; we went down to the extreme point and were such babies as to do a little paddling barefooted in the waves. I never saw this place in the full glow of autumn before, and it is a treat.
21Oct1868, Marriage of Whig and Tory
HOLKER, October 21st, 1868.
—Edith Campbell [FN: Daughter of the Duke of Argyll.] is to marry Ld. Percy! [FN: Afterwards 7th Duke of Northumberland.] a nice, good, pleasant youth, just grown up ; Presbyterian and Irvingite, Whig and Tory, I wonder how it will do.
—Edith Campbell [FN: Daughter of the Duke of Argyll.] is to marry Ld. Percy! [FN: Afterwards 7th Duke of Northumberland.] a nice, good, pleasant youth, just grown up ; Presbyterian and Irvingite, Whig and Tory, I wonder how it will do.
08Oct1868, Reading Mansfield Park
HAWARDEN, October 8th, 1868
. . . . Afterwards to the Rectory to hear Granny spout "Mansfield Park" ; I coaxed Fred to stay and hear a bit, and he was impressed with her beautiful reading. Her dear voice is as musical as ever ; if there is any change it gets lower, instead of quavery as most old people.
. . . . Afterwards to the Rectory to hear Granny spout "Mansfield Park" ; I coaxed Fred to stay and hear a bit, and he was impressed with her beautiful reading. Her dear voice is as musical as ever ; if there is any change it gets lower, instead of quavery as most old people.
05Oct1868, A Good-natured Lion
HAWARDEN, October 5th, 1868.
—Uncle W. has now written his address : a very dignified and downright one. He went off all the lighter-hearted for having it off his mind, to cut down a tree with Willy. Lord Napier of Magdala [FN: Lately home from the Abyssinian Expedition and the storming of Magdala.] came, and was received with volunteers, band, and cheers, and the village-people and school-children turned out in the park. He is very quiet and simple in manner, and is rather like a good-natured lion with its claws in.
—Uncle W. has now written his address : a very dignified and downright one. He went off all the lighter-hearted for having it off his mind, to cut down a tree with Willy. Lord Napier of Magdala [FN: Lately home from the Abyssinian Expedition and the storming of Magdala.] came, and was received with volunteers, band, and cheers, and the village-people and school-children turned out in the park. He is very quiet and simple in manner, and is rather like a good-natured lion with its claws in.
01Oct1868, Uncle W. Cuts Down a Tree
HAWARDEN, October 1st, 1868.
—Uncle W. in shirtsleeves and stick-up collar cutting down a tree was a pleasing sight this afternoon. He has an axe with W. E. G. on the haft, and is like a schoolboy over it.
—Uncle W. in shirtsleeves and stick-up collar cutting down a tree was a pleasing sight this afternoon. He has an axe with W. E. G. on the haft, and is like a schoolboy over it.
02Sep1868, Heart of the Enemy's Country
HOLKER, September 2nd, 1868.
—My Fred came home to dinner, quite excited over Cavendish's success at his meetings near Preston (the heart of the enemy's country). He seems to have spoken capitally ; and was received with enthusiasm. I had the treat of telling this to the Duke, who was much delighted.
—My Fred came home to dinner, quite excited over Cavendish's success at his meetings near Preston (the heart of the enemy's country). He seems to have spoken capitally ; and was received with enthusiasm. I had the treat of telling this to the Duke, who was much delighted.
26Aug1868, Electioneering
HOLKER, August 26th, 1868.
—Cavendish and all his gentlemen went off electioneering ; F. to Bradford to do the civil to his constituents. Emma and I drove to Grange Hotel to call on the Wilson Pattens, and saw Col. P. himself. He was quite moved at the notion of our calling upon them, apparently thinking his coalition with Captain Stanley against Cavendish would make bitter enemies of us all.
—Cavendish and all his gentlemen went off electioneering ; F. to Bradford to do the civil to his constituents. Emma and I drove to Grange Hotel to call on the Wilson Pattens, and saw Col. P. himself. He was quite moved at the notion of our calling upon them, apparently thinking his coalition with Captain Stanley against Cavendish would make bitter enemies of us all.
14Aug1868, The First Private Execution
Holker, August 14th, 1868.
—Yesterday took place the 1st private execution within the prison yard, only officials and reporters being present. A thing to return thanks for, the doing away of the horrible mob-scenes.
—Yesterday took place the 1st private execution within the prison yard, only officials and reporters being present. A thing to return thanks for, the doing away of the horrible mob-scenes.
11Aug1868, Back to Dear England
HOLKER, August 11th, 1868.
—Hot night, but rainy and overcast all day : a great comfort, as the burnt-up state of the country is really dreadful. Whole tracts of railway-embankments, heaths, moors, and even cornfields have been set on fire by sparks from engines or cigars, and people in many parts are in distress from want of water. We got prosperously to dear old Holker ; thank God. Find Lou, the Duke, Cavendish, and the D. of Buccleuch. All of course have the electionums ; there is great fear for Cavendish's seat ; Frank's is pretty secure ; we as yet have no opposition. Dear England, you are not bad to come back to, with your nears and dears, your excellent washing arrangements, and your Tea !
—Hot night, but rainy and overcast all day : a great comfort, as the burnt-up state of the country is really dreadful. Whole tracts of railway-embankments, heaths, moors, and even cornfields have been set on fire by sparks from engines or cigars, and people in many parts are in distress from want of water. We got prosperously to dear old Holker ; thank God. Find Lou, the Duke, Cavendish, and the D. of Buccleuch. All of course have the electionums ; there is great fear for Cavendish's seat ; Frank's is pretty secure ; we as yet have no opposition. Dear England, you are not bad to come back to, with your nears and dears, your excellent washing arrangements, and your Tea !
09Aug1868, Not a Sunday
AACHEN, August 9th, 1868.
—Not to be counted as a Sunday at all, a horrid fact, as one hasn't too many Sundays in even the longest life. We went into the curious Cathedral ; crowded with dirty people : a sort of congregation that always makes one envious. . . .
We fitted in a fragment of our service in a horrible chapel, which had the pulpit jutting out of the wall above the altar, like the centre and object of worship.
—Not to be counted as a Sunday at all, a horrid fact, as one hasn't too many Sundays in even the longest life. We went into the curious Cathedral ; crowded with dirty people : a sort of congregation that always makes one envious. . . .
We fitted in a fragment of our service in a horrible chapel, which had the pulpit jutting out of the wall above the altar, like the centre and object of worship.
31Jul1868, A Jolly Evening
Ems, July 31st, 1868.
—We had a jolly evening, supping with the Ashleys ; Ly. Louisa Charteris was too delightful, becoming an asthmatic old Norfolk man and woman, besides crowing, purring, bleating, and gobbling to perfection. We laughed till exhaustion supervened, and did not act up to the name we have all given ourselves as lone lorn women, the reverse of Jolly Dogs, viz., the Dismal Cats.
—We had a jolly evening, supping with the Ashleys ; Ly. Louisa Charteris was too delightful, becoming an asthmatic old Norfolk man and woman, besides crowing, purring, bleating, and gobbling to perfection. We laughed till exhaustion supervened, and did not act up to the name we have all given ourselves as lone lorn women, the reverse of Jolly Dogs, viz., the Dismal Cats.
24Jul1868, High and Broad Church
Ems, July 24th, 1868.
—We drove up to the Pavilion, whence the view is lovely. Argued a good deal on the way about High and Broad Church, B. contriving to be both in a way that a little aggravates me.
—We drove up to the Pavilion, whence the view is lovely. Argued a good deal on the way about High and Broad Church, B. contriving to be both in a way that a little aggravates me.
14Jul1868, Meeting the King of Prussia
Ems, July 14th, 1868.
—I had the privilege of seeing the King [FN: The King of Prussia, afterwards the first German Emperor.] at the spring in the Curhaus ; an ugly red-nosed old gentleman.
—I had the privilege of seeing the King [FN: The King of Prussia, afterwards the first German Emperor.] at the spring in the Curhaus ; an ugly red-nosed old gentleman.
08Jul1868, To Brussels
BRUSSELS, July 8th, 1868.
—It does seem bewildering to be on the Continent again : writing my journal in an inn (Bellevue) at Brussels — the very same where we launched forth on our honeymoon 4 years ago. B. [FN: Beatrice Lascelles, sister of Lady Edward Cavendish, afterwards wife of Archbishop Temple.] joined us at Charing X. at 7.15 ; we had a perfect passage from Dover to Calais ; and got here before 7. We feel rather unprotected with only English servants, viz., Head, the Grim one, and B.'s Wilkinson.
—It does seem bewildering to be on the Continent again : writing my journal in an inn (Bellevue) at Brussels — the very same where we launched forth on our honeymoon 4 years ago. B. [FN: Beatrice Lascelles, sister of Lady Edward Cavendish, afterwards wife of Archbishop Temple.] joined us at Charing X. at 7.15 ; we had a perfect passage from Dover to Calais ; and got here before 7. We feel rather unprotected with only English servants, viz., Head, the Grim one, and B.'s Wilkinson.
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