Holker, Wednesday, January 8th, 1873.
—I only went out to the school, where Lou and I have offered to help in the religious teaching, now a "Time Tabled" and "Conscience Claused" business, and difficult for the mistress alone to squeeze into the one half-hour allowed.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Friday, April 23, 2010
07Jan1873, Visiting a Widow
HOLKER, Tuesday, January 7th, 1873.
—We drove to see Mrs. Huby and the poor little dowdy old widow of the Rev. ----—. I was dumbfounded at her dowdiness !—of the small farmer type. And he was the son of a day-labourer ! The poor goody rejoiced Lou's heart by giving her various pretty bits of old china, which we bore home in triumph.
—We drove to see Mrs. Huby and the poor little dowdy old widow of the Rev. ----—. I was dumbfounded at her dowdiness !—of the small farmer type. And he was the son of a day-labourer ! The poor goody rejoiced Lou's heart by giving her various pretty bits of old china, which we bore home in triumph.
04Jan1873, The Chatsworth Party at Royal Week
HOLKER, Saturday, January 4th, 1873.
—It's rather absurd that I have never given a list of the Chatsworth party during the Royal week ; here they all are. Uncle R., Cowpers and her sister, Granvilles, Listowels, Shannons, Howards of Glossop and daughter, Vernons and daughter, May Lascelles, Margt. and F. Howard, E. Cokes, D. of S. Albans, Mr. Chaplin, Mr. Primrose, Mr. Cockerell, Mr. Calcraft, D. of Rutland, and 0 !—last but far from least. ! Lady A. ! With the P. and Prss., Ly. Macclesfield, Mr. Knollys, Major Grey.
—It's rather absurd that I have never given a list of the Chatsworth party during the Royal week ; here they all are. Uncle R., Cowpers and her sister, Granvilles, Listowels, Shannons, Howards of Glossop and daughter, Vernons and daughter, May Lascelles, Margt. and F. Howard, E. Cokes, D. of S. Albans, Mr. Chaplin, Mr. Primrose, Mr. Cockerell, Mr. Calcraft, D. of Rutland, and 0 !—last but far from least. ! Lady A. ! With the P. and Prss., Ly. Macclesfield, Mr. Knollys, Major Grey.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
22Dec1872, We Were All a Little Comatose
CHATSWORTH, December 22nd, 1872.
—The curtain dropt on our fine great drama ! Carriage and four with outriders bore off our P. and Prss., with the Duke and Cavsh. ; Lou and Emma also went with them to Chesterfd., where they were to receive an address. Later we heard by telegraph that, leaving Chesterfd. at 1.20, they got to London soon after 4—quick work for Xmas-time !
In spite of regrets at the breaking-up of a happy and successful time, there was peace when the swarm of guests, string of flies, and mountains of luggage filed away ! Nobody left but Duke, brothers and sisters-in-law, Madge, Freddy Howard, and May Lascelles. We were all a little comatose, and Lou vanished to bed at 9 o'clock.
—The curtain dropt on our fine great drama ! Carriage and four with outriders bore off our P. and Prss., with the Duke and Cavsh. ; Lou and Emma also went with them to Chesterfd., where they were to receive an address. Later we heard by telegraph that, leaving Chesterfd. at 1.20, they got to London soon after 4—quick work for Xmas-time !
In spite of regrets at the breaking-up of a happy and successful time, there was peace when the swarm of guests, string of flies, and mountains of luggage filed away ! Nobody left but Duke, brothers and sisters-in-law, Madge, Freddy Howard, and May Lascelles. We were all a little comatose, and Lou vanished to bed at 9 o'clock.
20Dec1872, High Jinks and Thoughts on the Prince
CHATSWORTH, Friday, December 20th, 1872.
—Nothing daunted by the inveterate clammy fog and occasional actual rain, we went about 30 strong to luncheon at Haddon : P. and Pss. in an open carriage. Bakewell very enthusiastic and a little drunk. The luncheon a fine sight in the grand old hall ; band playing and spectators peering overhead in the gallery ; the Royal couple and a select few at a high table cross-wise with the two that ran down the hall ; all seated in old carved Haddon chairs. The loving-cup of spiced ale went round with all the honours.
At night, billiards, music, and a round game. Our Queen of Hearts was a sight never to be forgotten for grace and liveliness and fun as she whisked round the billiard-table like any dragon-fly, playing at "pockets" ; punishing the table when she missed, and finally breaking her mace across Ly. Cowper's back with a sudden little whack. Likewise at bed-time, high jinks with all the ladies in the corridors ; and yet through all one has a sense of perfect womanly dignity, and a certainty that no one cd ever go an inch too far with her. She can gather up her beautiful bright stateliness at any moment. 0, bless her for a vision of enchantment ! In the midst of the evening performances I managed to give her a really fine ode just sent me by Mr. Palgrave, the author thereof, on the Prince's recovery. I hope she will like it as much as I do. Of the said Prince I have less to say. He does not get on with me, nor indeed much with any but chaffy, fast people, though always kind and delightful in manner like most of 'em : he is amiable and truthful, and has sense and good feeling ; my conviction is that, when he succeeds to the Throne and has duties to do, he will do far better than now seems likely ; but the melancholy thing is that neither he nor the darling Prss. ever care to open a book.
—Nothing daunted by the inveterate clammy fog and occasional actual rain, we went about 30 strong to luncheon at Haddon : P. and Pss. in an open carriage. Bakewell very enthusiastic and a little drunk. The luncheon a fine sight in the grand old hall ; band playing and spectators peering overhead in the gallery ; the Royal couple and a select few at a high table cross-wise with the two that ran down the hall ; all seated in old carved Haddon chairs. The loving-cup of spiced ale went round with all the honours.
At night, billiards, music, and a round game. Our Queen of Hearts was a sight never to be forgotten for grace and liveliness and fun as she whisked round the billiard-table like any dragon-fly, playing at "pockets" ; punishing the table when she missed, and finally breaking her mace across Ly. Cowper's back with a sudden little whack. Likewise at bed-time, high jinks with all the ladies in the corridors ; and yet through all one has a sense of perfect womanly dignity, and a certainty that no one cd ever go an inch too far with her. She can gather up her beautiful bright stateliness at any moment. 0, bless her for a vision of enchantment ! In the midst of the evening performances I managed to give her a really fine ode just sent me by Mr. Palgrave, the author thereof, on the Prince's recovery. I hope she will like it as much as I do. Of the said Prince I have less to say. He does not get on with me, nor indeed much with any but chaffy, fast people, though always kind and delightful in manner like most of 'em : he is amiable and truthful, and has sense and good feeling ; my conviction is that, when he succeeds to the Throne and has duties to do, he will do far better than now seems likely ; but the melancholy thing is that neither he nor the darling Prss. ever care to open a book.
19Dec1872, Another Mighty Dinner
CHATSWORTH, Thursday, December 19th, 1872.
—This was a really jolly day. The darling Prss. has got at her ease, and no words can express her perfect charm. It is not so much the loveliness of her face ; others may have as much of that, but smile, colouring, hair, contour of little head and neck, are delightful : her small slight figure is in perfect symmetry, and no one cd believe in the stiff joint of her knee except from a little pretty halt going up and down stairs. Lou drove her thro' the gardens, and to cheering, be-arched, bell-ringing Baslow, Ly. A. and I following, with Mr. Primrose (another witty spirit !). After the mighty dinner (44), which was a beautiful sight, came off a truly enchanting dance of only the houseful and the few dinner-guests. Delicious was the dining-room for this much of a ball, and everybody looked their best and thoroughly enjoyed life. Supper at various little tables in the big drawing-room, capitally managed. Ly. Macclesfield, Mr. Cockerell, and I made fun at our table, all the more comical from the dignified condescension of my neighbour, Ld. Cowper, Ly. George's silent laughter, and the poor dear Duke of Rutland's puzzled Manner-ish high-shouldered aspect thro' it all.
—This was a really jolly day. The darling Prss. has got at her ease, and no words can express her perfect charm. It is not so much the loveliness of her face ; others may have as much of that, but smile, colouring, hair, contour of little head and neck, are delightful : her small slight figure is in perfect symmetry, and no one cd believe in the stiff joint of her knee except from a little pretty halt going up and down stairs. Lou drove her thro' the gardens, and to cheering, be-arched, bell-ringing Baslow, Ly. A. and I following, with Mr. Primrose (another witty spirit !). After the mighty dinner (44), which was a beautiful sight, came off a truly enchanting dance of only the houseful and the few dinner-guests. Delicious was the dining-room for this much of a ball, and everybody looked their best and thoroughly enjoyed life. Supper at various little tables in the big drawing-room, capitally managed. Ly. Macclesfield, Mr. Cockerell, and I made fun at our table, all the more comical from the dignified condescension of my neighbour, Ld. Cowper, Ly. George's silent laughter, and the poor dear Duke of Rutland's puzzled Manner-ish high-shouldered aspect thro' it all.
18Dec1872, Dinner in the Sculpture Gallery
CHATSWORTH, Wednesday, December 18th, 1872.
—The miserable dank fog goes on. The P. and Pss. breakfast tete-a-tete in the Red Velvet room ; and did not appear till 12 or so. I took her driving in the little carriage at 1, Ly. Cowper and Ly. A. following in t'other one, up to luncheon with the shooters in the Russian cottage. Here was sumptuous fare, but hitches occurred, viz., all the drinks were forgotten and had to be fetched, and we were presented with sugar instead of salt for our pie. Ly. A. and Ly. C. afterwds went a drive, but the Prss. and I, with Mr. Cockerell (a delightful wag is he) in the dickey, followed the shooters through New Pine Wood. Bewitching and unaffected and good-natured is the Princess. In the evening came off the rather ponderous and oppressive big County ball ; a great success for all the company, who were over the moon, but trying to the family and scrowgy for the Royal pair. Moreover, the room was hot and dusty. All went smooth, however, at and after supper, which was a lovely and peculiar sight in the Sculpture Gallery, carpeted with red cloth and adorned with great bananas, ferns, palms, etc. The great granite basin filled with green, a slender palm in the middle, and stiff white hyacinths blooming round the palm, reminded me somehow of the ancient pictures of the Virgin's tomb filled with flowers. The orangery lit with coloured lamps very pretty ; and the vista from that to the Hebe in the big drawing-room was! Before the ball illuminations of the fountains and cascade came off, but the fog quenched them fatally. Owing to Lou's mourning for Mr. H. Greville (whose death has carried Frank away, alack !) the Prince opened the ball with me ; Princess with Cavendish.
—The miserable dank fog goes on. The P. and Pss. breakfast tete-a-tete in the Red Velvet room ; and did not appear till 12 or so. I took her driving in the little carriage at 1, Ly. Cowper and Ly. A. following in t'other one, up to luncheon with the shooters in the Russian cottage. Here was sumptuous fare, but hitches occurred, viz., all the drinks were forgotten and had to be fetched, and we were presented with sugar instead of salt for our pie. Ly. A. and Ly. C. afterwds went a drive, but the Prss. and I, with Mr. Cockerell (a delightful wag is he) in the dickey, followed the shooters through New Pine Wood. Bewitching and unaffected and good-natured is the Princess. In the evening came off the rather ponderous and oppressive big County ball ; a great success for all the company, who were over the moon, but trying to the family and scrowgy for the Royal pair. Moreover, the room was hot and dusty. All went smooth, however, at and after supper, which was a lovely and peculiar sight in the Sculpture Gallery, carpeted with red cloth and adorned with great bananas, ferns, palms, etc. The great granite basin filled with green, a slender palm in the middle, and stiff white hyacinths blooming round the palm, reminded me somehow of the ancient pictures of the Virgin's tomb filled with flowers. The orangery lit with coloured lamps very pretty ; and the vista from that to the Hebe in the big drawing-room was! Before the ball illuminations of the fountains and cascade came off, but the fog quenched them fatally. Owing to Lou's mourning for Mr. H. Greville (whose death has carried Frank away, alack !) the Prince opened the ball with me ; Princess with Cavendish.
17Dec1872, A Royal Visit to Chatsworth
CHATSWORTH, Tuesday, December 17th, 1872.
—The Duke, Cavsh., and I went to Derby in the morning, and got there a little before the Royal train. Out stepped the lovely Prss. and the fat but apparently blooming Prince. Cheers, nosegay, red cloth, Mrs. Mayor in a wonderful bonnet and a crimson face. "God save the Queen." In spite of drizzle and cold, the Royal carriage was open most of the way as they processioned through the streets, which were really beautifully bedizened. The chief function was a prize-giving to the Grammar school-boys in the drill-hall, when an upper boy read an ode abt the Prince's recovery that was very good and gave one a lump in one's throat. Also we marched about the infirmary.
Getting to Rowsley after dark, Cavsh. and I went with the P. and Pr. (in a shut carriage, alas !) and saw as well as we could the illumination of the W. front and garden that burst forth as we got into the park and drove round by the opposite side of the river. The 1st minute was lovely—the house shining out clear ; but afterwards the smoke hung and hid everything. Lou and the Duke and most of the company received them in the hall, which was unluckily as full of sulphur as it might be after a siege from the fireworks, and set us coughing. Dinner very fine, with feathery cocos palm springing out of the table in the midst and overshadowing us. Whist and music in the evening.
—The Duke, Cavsh., and I went to Derby in the morning, and got there a little before the Royal train. Out stepped the lovely Prss. and the fat but apparently blooming Prince. Cheers, nosegay, red cloth, Mrs. Mayor in a wonderful bonnet and a crimson face. "God save the Queen." In spite of drizzle and cold, the Royal carriage was open most of the way as they processioned through the streets, which were really beautifully bedizened. The chief function was a prize-giving to the Grammar school-boys in the drill-hall, when an upper boy read an ode abt the Prince's recovery that was very good and gave one a lump in one's throat. Also we marched about the infirmary.
Getting to Rowsley after dark, Cavsh. and I went with the P. and Pr. (in a shut carriage, alas !) and saw as well as we could the illumination of the W. front and garden that burst forth as we got into the park and drove round by the opposite side of the river. The 1st minute was lovely—the house shining out clear ; but afterwards the smoke hung and hid everything. Lou and the Duke and most of the company received them in the hall, which was unluckily as full of sulphur as it might be after a siege from the fireworks, and set us coughing. Dinner very fine, with feathery cocos palm springing out of the table in the midst and overshadowing us. Whist and music in the evening.
16Dec1872, When is That Woman Going Away?
CHATSWORTH, Monday, December 16th, 1872.
—Arrived the avant-garde de la grande armee — Ly. Ailesbury (Maria), who stalked into the room in a suit composed chiefly of a large chess-board check, black and grey, the garment going in a straight skimp line from her nape to her heels, the whole surmounted by the usual fuzz-ball of yellow curls, and a youthful hat. Fritz demanded privately after he had been introduced to this : "When is That Woman going away?" The Cowpers, with her sister Miss Compton, and the Listowels also came.
—Arrived the avant-garde de la grande armee — Ly. Ailesbury (Maria), who stalked into the room in a suit composed chiefly of a large chess-board check, black and grey, the garment going in a straight skimp line from her nape to her heels, the whole surmounted by the usual fuzz-ball of yellow curls, and a youthful hat. Fritz demanded privately after he had been introduced to this : "When is That Woman going away?" The Cowpers, with her sister Miss Compton, and the Listowels also came.
15Dec1872, Nevy a Social Animal
CHATSWORTH, December 15th, 1872. 3rd Sunday in Advent.
—A gt pleasure it is having old Nevy here. His Irish aide-de-camp life has brushed up his manners and made him a social animal, which one hardly hoped wd ever be the case.
—A gt pleasure it is having old Nevy here. His Irish aide-de-camp life has brushed up his manners and made him a social animal, which one hardly hoped wd ever be the case.
14Dec1872, Everything in Place Cavendish Style
CHATSWORTH, Saturday, December 14th, 1872.
—The house is getting into order by dint of much marching about it of heads and hands : all is being pondered and prearranged in true deliberate Cavendish style ; and I quite expect that when once the whole machine is given a shove on Tuesday off it will go, everything in its proper place, from the Duke to the scullery-maid.
—The house is getting into order by dint of much marching about it of heads and hands : all is being pondered and prearranged in true deliberate Cavendish style ; and I quite expect that when once the whole machine is given a shove on Tuesday off it will go, everything in its proper place, from the Duke to the scullery-maid.
09Dec1872, Plans for Keble College Chapel
LONDON, Monday, December 9th, 1872.
—We dined at Portland Place, meeting the dear Keble couple, who showed off the plans of the Chapel, which are excellent. Mr. Gibbs is going to build out of his own pocket-£30,000. The plans are too odd (Butterfield) for me to be sure I altogether like them ; but there is to be a high-up row of windows with great space for mosaics below, which will have a capital effect.
—We dined at Portland Place, meeting the dear Keble couple, who showed off the plans of the Chapel, which are excellent. Mr. Gibbs is going to build out of his own pocket-£30,000. The plans are too odd (Butterfield) for me to be sure I altogether like them ; but there is to be a high-up row of windows with great space for mosaics below, which will have a capital effect.
07Dec1872, Little Wilfrid Ashley
LONDON, December 7th, 1872.
—Visited Sissy Ashley. Little Wilfrid [FN: Now the Rt. Hon. Wilfrid Ashley, Minister of Transport.] Ashley, a beautiful boykin, with great violet eyes.
—Visited Sissy Ashley. Little Wilfrid [FN: Now the Rt. Hon. Wilfrid Ashley, Minister of Transport.] Ashley, a beautiful boykin, with great violet eyes.
05Dec1872, Uncle Wm. In High-Gee
LONDON, Thursday, December 5th, 1872.
—Uncle W. still high-gee theology : he is reading a horrible new atheistic book of Strauss's, to Atie. P.'s great irritation ! But I am glad, and only hope he may be led to write something great in answer.
—Uncle W. still high-gee theology : he is reading a horrible new atheistic book of Strauss's, to Atie. P.'s great irritation ! But I am glad, and only hope he may be led to write something great in answer.
04Dec1872, Her Letter is Published
LONDON, Wednesday, December 4th, 1872.
—A letter of mine on the Ath. Creed signed A. H. P. appeared, to my great excitement.
—A letter of mine on the Ath. Creed signed A. H. P. appeared, to my great excitement.
01Dec1872, At St. Paul's With Dean Church
LONDON, Advent Sunday, December 1st, 1872.
—Walked after luncheon to the Deanery, S. Paul's, whence we went under the wing of the Dean and Mrs. Church into the Cathedral. Liddon preacht grandly, his wonderful voice gaining in power and penetration to the very end of his 50 minutes ; but he streamed with perspiration ! A mighty congn. and Luther's hymn sung by all at the end was glorious indeed.
—Walked after luncheon to the Deanery, S. Paul's, whence we went under the wing of the Dean and Mrs. Church into the Cathedral. Liddon preacht grandly, his wonderful voice gaining in power and penetration to the very end of his 50 minutes ; but he streamed with perspiration ! A mighty congn. and Luther's hymn sung by all at the end was glorious indeed.
29Nov1872, The Men-Servants Make Deadlocks
LONDON, Friday, November 29th, 1872.
—The Algy Wests, Trevelyans, Mr. Glyn, and Cavendish dined ; and the men-servants chose the occasion for making deadlocks all through dinner ; dealing out crashes with the lift, smashing a big dish, and sticking in the mud generally ; the worst of all being the omission of the oysters, which were brought up with great pomp and never handed round ! !
—The Algy Wests, Trevelyans, Mr. Glyn, and Cavendish dined ; and the men-servants chose the occasion for making deadlocks all through dinner ; dealing out crashes with the lift, smashing a big dish, and sticking in the mud generally ; the worst of all being the omission of the oysters, which were brought up with great pomp and never handed round ! !
27Nov1872, Playgoing Dinner-Party
LONDON, Wednesday, November 27th, 1872.
—We had a little playgoing dinner-party of Willy and Harry Gladstone and Alfred Howard, and went to see "Charles I" at the Lyceum. Irving, who played the King, was sufficiently like him and acted with sufficient dignity and pathos to make much impression on one ; and I was a little niobe at the parting with the children.
—We had a little playgoing dinner-party of Willy and Harry Gladstone and Alfred Howard, and went to see "Charles I" at the Lyceum. Irving, who played the King, was sufficiently like him and acted with sufficient dignity and pathos to make much impression on one ; and I was a little niobe at the parting with the children.
26Nov1872, The Life of Cowper by Southey
LONDON, Tuesday, November 26th, 1872.
—Lately I have been reading for anything but the 1st time that pathetic thing, the Life of Cowper by Southey. It always interests and absorbs me strangely and I get such overflows of compassion for that sad soul as I can't describe. Even at this distance of 90 years, it is almost intolerable to think of all he endured, and yet one's faith is strengthened by it. For what but the Love of Christ which passeth knowledge could have upborne poor Cowper in his black darkness and misery, fulfilling in him to a degree never equalled the truth of those wonderful words, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him."
—Lately I have been reading for anything but the 1st time that pathetic thing, the Life of Cowper by Southey. It always interests and absorbs me strangely and I get such overflows of compassion for that sad soul as I can't describe. Even at this distance of 90 years, it is almost intolerable to think of all he endured, and yet one's faith is strengthened by it. For what but the Love of Christ which passeth knowledge could have upborne poor Cowper in his black darkness and misery, fulfilling in him to a degree never equalled the truth of those wonderful words, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him."
17Nov1872, Memoirs of Baron Stockmar
LONDON, 25th Sunday after Trinity. November 17th, 1872.
—The W. E. G.'s and Mr. Glyn dined with us. Uncle W. anxious to hear all about one Mr. Haweis, a clever preacher beginning to be famous ; and also full of a Memoir of Baron Stockmar which is just out, and which he thinks the most flagrantly indiscreet thing in the world ; it has aggravated the poor Queen inasmuch as it puts the Baron into such a position of chief adviser as rather sinks the Prince Consort into a second place.
—The W. E. G.'s and Mr. Glyn dined with us. Uncle W. anxious to hear all about one Mr. Haweis, a clever preacher beginning to be famous ; and also full of a Memoir of Baron Stockmar which is just out, and which he thinks the most flagrantly indiscreet thing in the world ; it has aggravated the poor Queen inasmuch as it puts the Baron into such a position of chief adviser as rather sinks the Prince Consort into a second place.
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