Sunday, June 14, 2009

16Mar1867, A Visit to Chiswick

LONDON, March 16th, 1867.
Emma and I drove to Chiswick. I can never go there (especially without a load of people) without our golden days all coming back upon me. The Duchess was visiting Lady Blantyre, and we waited an hour for her. She looked very well and queenly, and made me as shy as usual ! Snug home dinner, after which a drum at the Speaker's. The Duke of St. Albans is to marry Sybil Grey.

10Mar1867, Obstreperous Ragamuffins

LONDON, March 10th, 1867.
—School, where I was driven nearly wild by 8 obstreperous ragamuffin boys.

06Mar1867, Sermon by Dr. Pusey

LONDON, March 6th, 1867. Ash Wednesday.
Freddy had odious meetings all the morning. I went to All Saints', which was crammed full as Dr. Pusey preached. It was a striking, solemn sermon, upon the saved "suffering loss" at the Last Day, from the "wood, hay, and stubble" of their works on earth being tested by fire, they being themselves saved nevertheless by Infinite Mercy. I hardly understand the text in the same way. I think it means that if only we have built upon the One Foundation, the imperfections of our works will be forgiven, the fire will cleanse them, and only what is good and true will remain. But I don't know. I was glad to find sitting-room on the steps of the font, and heard with difficulty. He has a good, gentle face, though ugly ; his voice sounded rather weak and as if his chest hurt him. We had luncheon at Devonshire House where was Netty. I went to see Kate Amberley, and Granny who got down her Bible and entered the lists with Dr. Pusey so well !

03Mar1867, School and Workhouse

LONDON, March 3rd, 1867.
—School and workhouse. The old bodies made a great joke of F.'s bringing me to the door of the workhouse.