LONDON, Friday, June 19th, 1863.
—I went to luncheon in St. St., and there was told a wonderful bit of news. Ly. Augusta Bruce has written to Granny to ask whether, on a vacancy occurring, and the Queen being graciously pleased to offer it, there wd be any objection to my accepting the post of Maid-of-Honour ! ! ! ! ! ! ! And after some consultation, an answer was sent, signifying my grateful willingness. The very anticipation is so overpowering that I have had a headache all the aftn and I certainly dread the prospect, viewing my perpetual blunders, and the probable cuts into Hagley holidays and Papa. But ! £400 a year ! I shall be more than off his hands, and there is much that " I look the look over " (a case of dropping asleep ! "look forward to" I meant).
Friday, December 19, 2008
18Jun1863, Shaking Hands with the Princess
LONDON, Thursday, June 18th, 1863.
—Lovely hot day. The Prince and Princess came to Dr. Stanley's garden, to see the tent which the latter slept in in the East, and we, the select few on the lawn, of course looked at both to our heart's content. And Atie. P. had the presence of mind to present me to the Princess ! who shook hands with me. My curtseys were beautiful, but 0 dear ! I couldn't make out what she said to me, with her low peculiar utterance and foreign accent. Luckily Agnes interpreted for me. Afterwards we went to see Magdalen, etc., and then saw T.R.H.'s go away, and the town, as one may say, visibly collapse after all the excitement.
—Lovely hot day. The Prince and Princess came to Dr. Stanley's garden, to see the tent which the latter slept in in the East, and we, the select few on the lawn, of course looked at both to our heart's content. And Atie. P. had the presence of mind to present me to the Princess ! who shook hands with me. My curtseys were beautiful, but 0 dear ! I couldn't make out what she said to me, with her low peculiar utterance and foreign accent. Luckily Agnes interpreted for me. Afterwards we went to see Magdalen, etc., and then saw T.R.H.'s go away, and the town, as one may say, visibly collapse after all the excitement.
17Jun1863, Sleeping on the Floor
OXFORD, Wednesday, June 17th, 1863.—
Very lovely and hot. Darling old Meriel is 23 to-day. Agnes and I spent a most notably sleepless and unquiet night ; the garret where we were put being rather close, the bed bumpy, hard, and too small, and Agnes, as a rule, unable to sleep well with a bedfellow. So we got alternately on to the floor full length, tucked up in a chair, listened to the innumerable clocks, and went into a succession of giggles, which helped us through many a weary hour. Finding the floor made me ache all over, and the chair was little better, I managed about 4 o'clock to lie down across the foot of the bed, and the contrast was so delicious, that an hour of comparative comfort and some sleep followed. And the night ended at last leaving us in an exhausted and stiffened state. We breakfasted very jovially with Stephy, meeting Johnny and Edward. Got prosperously into the theatre, where the reception of their R.H.'s was as uproarious and enthusiastic as yesterday. I didn't stay out the prize recitations, but got escorted home by John. Then came a State banquet at All Souls', to which it was a great honour to be asked, and afterwards we went to the Deanery garden, where the Prince came, and played with immense zest, boyishness, good nature, and some skill, at ball with his equerries and friends, using a croquet ball, and getting his fingers battered many a time, and once his nose ! A select circle of tufts were there Lords Newry, Parker [FN: Space left for other names not filled in.] ; also Ld. Albert Leveson-Gower. Thence we stumped off on foot to see the boat procession, which was a great success, in the lovely weather. High tea, and the Christ Ch. ball. We feasted our eyes on the Princess.
I was asked to dance by Lords Hamilton and Adair, Messrs. Parker, Warren, Wood, innom°. [FN: I.e. innominato, somebody whose name she did not know.] Ag. danced with the Prince.
Very lovely and hot. Darling old Meriel is 23 to-day. Agnes and I spent a most notably sleepless and unquiet night ; the garret where we were put being rather close, the bed bumpy, hard, and too small, and Agnes, as a rule, unable to sleep well with a bedfellow. So we got alternately on to the floor full length, tucked up in a chair, listened to the innumerable clocks, and went into a succession of giggles, which helped us through many a weary hour. Finding the floor made me ache all over, and the chair was little better, I managed about 4 o'clock to lie down across the foot of the bed, and the contrast was so delicious, that an hour of comparative comfort and some sleep followed. And the night ended at last leaving us in an exhausted and stiffened state. We breakfasted very jovially with Stephy, meeting Johnny and Edward. Got prosperously into the theatre, where the reception of their R.H.'s was as uproarious and enthusiastic as yesterday. I didn't stay out the prize recitations, but got escorted home by John. Then came a State banquet at All Souls', to which it was a great honour to be asked, and afterwards we went to the Deanery garden, where the Prince came, and played with immense zest, boyishness, good nature, and some skill, at ball with his equerries and friends, using a croquet ball, and getting his fingers battered many a time, and once his nose ! A select circle of tufts were there Lords Newry, Parker [FN: Space left for other names not filled in.] ; also Ld. Albert Leveson-Gower. Thence we stumped off on foot to see the boat procession, which was a great success, in the lovely weather. High tea, and the Christ Ch. ball. We feasted our eyes on the Princess.
I was asked to dance by Lords Hamilton and Adair, Messrs. Parker, Warren, Wood, innom°. [FN: I.e. innominato, somebody whose name she did not know.] Ag. danced with the Prince.
16Jun1863, Cheers for the Prince
OXFORD, Tuesday, June 16th, 1863.
—An almost unbroken soak of small, soft, penetrating rain, cruelly taking from one's enjoyment, and 0 how one hates one's unavoidable smartness in weather when a short print petticoat and waterproof cloak and hood wd be the only comfortable garments ! Nevertheless great have been to-day's enjoyments. We went 1st to the Deanery to see the lovely rooms prepared for T.R.H.'s, and soon after saw them arrive in Tom Quad. I saw them quite beautifully walk up to the Deanery, and for the 1st time realized the loveliness of the Princess, her noble, innocent, and peculiarly dignified expression, her winning grace, and her most beautiful smile. She gave away the prizes standing at the top of one of the flights of steps, under an awning. At about ¼ to 3, Agnes and I found ourselves wedged into a corner of the Ladies' Gallery in the theatre, close to one of the rostrums, and albeit we had nothing particular to sit on, and but little to stand on, we saw and heard famously. And never shall I forget the astounding cheers when the great doors were opened, and our Princess walked up ! As the Prince appeared immediately after her train, the cheers ceased only for the whole mass of voices to join in " God save the Queen " with a mighty shout ; and this was the sublimest thing, in its intense effect upon one, that I have ever heard. Afterwards the tremendous cheers began again and again ; till the theatre and everyone in it was ready to burst ; of course there was plenty of noise besides, and more, and more unruly, than at Cambridge, but this is all I care to remember.
—An almost unbroken soak of small, soft, penetrating rain, cruelly taking from one's enjoyment, and 0 how one hates one's unavoidable smartness in weather when a short print petticoat and waterproof cloak and hood wd be the only comfortable garments ! Nevertheless great have been to-day's enjoyments. We went 1st to the Deanery to see the lovely rooms prepared for T.R.H.'s, and soon after saw them arrive in Tom Quad. I saw them quite beautifully walk up to the Deanery, and for the 1st time realized the loveliness of the Princess, her noble, innocent, and peculiarly dignified expression, her winning grace, and her most beautiful smile. She gave away the prizes standing at the top of one of the flights of steps, under an awning. At about ¼ to 3, Agnes and I found ourselves wedged into a corner of the Ladies' Gallery in the theatre, close to one of the rostrums, and albeit we had nothing particular to sit on, and but little to stand on, we saw and heard famously. And never shall I forget the astounding cheers when the great doors were opened, and our Princess walked up ! As the Prince appeared immediately after her train, the cheers ceased only for the whole mass of voices to join in " God save the Queen " with a mighty shout ; and this was the sublimest thing, in its intense effect upon one, that I have ever heard. Afterwards the tremendous cheers began again and again ; till the theatre and everyone in it was ready to burst ; of course there was plenty of noise besides, and more, and more unruly, than at Cambridge, but this is all I care to remember.
15Jun1863, Meeting Howard and Jowett
OXFORD, Monday, June 15th, 1863.
—We came away last of all, and arrived here (at Dr. Stanley's) about 5, on a notable visit, viz. to celebrate Commemoration and the Prince and Princess of Wales' coming—he to receive a D.C.L. degree. These kind people have packed unheard-of numbers into their ingenious little house : the Stanleys of Alderley (minus parents), the Dufferins, and others besides are here. Ly. Dufferin has a gentle, winning countenance and manner, but is not pretty. A large dinner-party, cleverly divided between hall and dining-room. I sat between Ld. Dufferin, who was extremely agreeable, and Mr. Howard, [FN: No doubt George Howard, afterwards 9th Ear of Carlisle, a great lover of art.] who can talk to any degree about drawing ! In the evening amongst others came the too-famous Mr. Jowett, whose mild intellectual face wd not lead one to suspect him to be one of the tamperers with the Faith, as, however, he must be called.
—We came away last of all, and arrived here (at Dr. Stanley's) about 5, on a notable visit, viz. to celebrate Commemoration and the Prince and Princess of Wales' coming—he to receive a D.C.L. degree. These kind people have packed unheard-of numbers into their ingenious little house : the Stanleys of Alderley (minus parents), the Dufferins, and others besides are here. Ly. Dufferin has a gentle, winning countenance and manner, but is not pretty. A large dinner-party, cleverly divided between hall and dining-room. I sat between Ld. Dufferin, who was extremely agreeable, and Mr. Howard, [FN: No doubt George Howard, afterwards 9th Ear of Carlisle, a great lover of art.] who can talk to any degree about drawing ! In the evening amongst others came the too-famous Mr. Jowett, whose mild intellectual face wd not lead one to suspect him to be one of the tamperers with the Faith, as, however, he must be called.
14Jun1863, Paradise and Heaven
CLIVEDEN, 2nd Sunday after Trinity, June 14th, 1863.
—Hot with soft rain ; lovely afternoon, but felt thundery. My experience hitherto of peculiarly grand country places (and this is grand, though not large) certainly gives me no favourable impression of their churchums. Some of the party went to Cookham, and most to S. George's, Windsor, in the aftn ; but Agnes and I were doomed twice to a dreary bare room where service goes on pending the restoration of Hedzor Church : no chanting, a barrel-organ, laborious, longwinded, and truly dreadful hymn-singing, and in the morning no sermon owing to the poor clergyman's being ill. The aftn sermon, however, was good, on Watching and Praying. A. and I walked down to the river afterwards, views peaceful and lovely. Also we capped Sunday verses, and read aloud a good sermon of Jebb's. The Duchess of Argyll's wonderful cleverness is delightful to listen to ; and most gracefully it sits upon her, as she looks up with her shining eyes, and in that low gentle voice comes out with such knowledge of books, events, and politics. Meanwhile the perfect taste, refinement, and luxury of the place almost oppresses me. When one lives in Paradise, how hard it must be to ascend in heart and mind to Heaven !
—Hot with soft rain ; lovely afternoon, but felt thundery. My experience hitherto of peculiarly grand country places (and this is grand, though not large) certainly gives me no favourable impression of their churchums. Some of the party went to Cookham, and most to S. George's, Windsor, in the aftn ; but Agnes and I were doomed twice to a dreary bare room where service goes on pending the restoration of Hedzor Church : no chanting, a barrel-organ, laborious, longwinded, and truly dreadful hymn-singing, and in the morning no sermon owing to the poor clergyman's being ill. The aftn sermon, however, was good, on Watching and Praying. A. and I walked down to the river afterwards, views peaceful and lovely. Also we capped Sunday verses, and read aloud a good sermon of Jebb's. The Duchess of Argyll's wonderful cleverness is delightful to listen to ; and most gracefully it sits upon her, as she looks up with her shining eyes, and in that low gentle voice comes out with such knowledge of books, events, and politics. Meanwhile the perfect taste, refinement, and luxury of the place almost oppresses me. When one lives in Paradise, how hard it must be to ascend in heart and mind to Heaven !
13Jun1863, America: North vs South
CLIVEDEN, Saturday, June 13th, 1863.
—Set off (beyond blowing) to Cliveden—connected in my mind, for ever I shd think, with old M.'s engagement, and our very shy and very lovely visit here just aftr. There are here the Argylls, Ld. Richard Cavendish, the Wm. Cowpers, Ly. C. Grosvenor, and poor Mr. William Harcourt,[FN: Afterwards Sir William, the statesman.] who 4 months ago lost his young wife in her 2nd confinement, their first beautiful baby having died the year before. It does make one's heart ache to think of such grief ; and his whole look and manner touch one extremely, the more because he joins in conversation, and puts on no affectations of sorrow ; but his face tells it all. The little baby lives. During dinner America was the topic : the Duke and Duchess are Northern ! in their sympathies : as there was no zealous Southerner to give battle, I did not come in for a regular elaborate argument about it, which I long to hear, that I may make some head and tail of the subject. Mr. Harcourt said slavery was the cause of the rupture, but abolition was not the object of it.
—Set off (beyond blowing) to Cliveden—connected in my mind, for ever I shd think, with old M.'s engagement, and our very shy and very lovely visit here just aftr. There are here the Argylls, Ld. Richard Cavendish, the Wm. Cowpers, Ly. C. Grosvenor, and poor Mr. William Harcourt,[FN: Afterwards Sir William, the statesman.] who 4 months ago lost his young wife in her 2nd confinement, their first beautiful baby having died the year before. It does make one's heart ache to think of such grief ; and his whole look and manner touch one extremely, the more because he joins in conversation, and puts on no affectations of sorrow ; but his face tells it all. The little baby lives. During dinner America was the topic : the Duke and Duchess are Northern ! in their sympathies : as there was no zealous Southerner to give battle, I did not come in for a regular elaborate argument about it, which I long to hear, that I may make some head and tail of the subject. Mr. Harcourt said slavery was the cause of the rupture, but abolition was not the object of it.
11Jun1863, Only Two Dances
LONDON, Thursday, June 11th, 1863. S. Barnabas.
— An amusing ball, unlike the general run, at Miss Coutts's ; there was at first not a partner to be seen ! and when a few did turn up, they wouldn't dance with me. Consequently my two dances were with an innominato and Ld. Feilding.
— An amusing ball, unlike the general run, at Miss Coutts's ; there was at first not a partner to be seen ! and when a few did turn up, they wouldn't dance with me. Consequently my two dances were with an innominato and Ld. Feilding.
08Jun1863, A Page-of-Honour
LONDON, Monday, June 8th, 1863.
—. . . Then with Papa to St. St., to see Arthur [FN: He was a Page-of-Honour.] in his Court costume for the levee. (Query, is he to hold up the Prince's coat-tails?) I must say he looked bewitching, in his red George II coat faced with gold, his white silk tights and stockings, his red-heeled, buckled shoes, his cocked hat, shoulder-knot of satin ribbon, lace ruffles, and rapier ! He stepped into the pompous Royal coach which came for him with amazing dignity.
—. . . Then with Papa to St. St., to see Arthur [FN: He was a Page-of-Honour.] in his Court costume for the levee. (Query, is he to hold up the Prince's coat-tails?) I must say he looked bewitching, in his red George II coat faced with gold, his white silk tights and stockings, his red-heeled, buckled shoes, his cocked hat, shoulder-knot of satin ribbon, lace ruffles, and rapier ! He stepped into the pompous Royal coach which came for him with amazing dignity.
02Jun1863, America and Heaven
LONDON, Tuesday, June 2nd, 1863.
—I sat next an exceedingly agreeable Mr. Bourke, who has seen a good deal of America. He said the people were quite as hateful as books describe them. And he told me of one horrible thing : they dare to push their democracy into their very ideas of Heaven ; i.e. they will never give to the Almighty the title of "King of Kings," or any other which implies sovereign authority, as being contrary to their notions of universal equality ! !
—I sat next an exceedingly agreeable Mr. Bourke, who has seen a good deal of America. He said the people were quite as hateful as books describe them. And he told me of one horrible thing : they dare to push their democracy into their very ideas of Heaven ; i.e. they will never give to the Almighty the title of "King of Kings," or any other which implies sovereign authority, as being contrary to their notions of universal equality ! !
26May1863, Smiling Loveliness
HAGLEY, Tuesday, May 26th, 1863.
—Sarina [FN: Sarina James, daughter of 1st Lord Northbourne : afterwards wife of Sir Arthur Godley, created Lord Kilbracken in 1909.] and I with the little boys had a charming walk thro' Wickberry wood and over the obelisk hill : 0 dear, dear ! the soft smiling loveliness of everything ! and the springtide of the trees, grass and garden gives a positive exhilaration to one's feelings. This summer, I think, will seem a double one to me.
—Sarina [FN: Sarina James, daughter of 1st Lord Northbourne : afterwards wife of Sir Arthur Godley, created Lord Kilbracken in 1909.] and I with the little boys had a charming walk thro' Wickberry wood and over the obelisk hill : 0 dear, dear ! the soft smiling loveliness of everything ! and the springtide of the trees, grass and garden gives a positive exhilaration to one's feelings. This summer, I think, will seem a double one to me.
17May1863, Dirty Gloves
LONDON, Sunday after Ascension, May 17th, 1863.
—Thence to Chapel Royal ; I grieve to say that I cannot so abstract myself as to feel like a Christian in church, when I form part of that select circle of the nobility who sit in the Peeresses' boudoir ; and I was nearly as painfully conscious of a pair of dirty gloves as if I had been at a concert. Oh dear ! there are things allowed by our Church which one wd be ashamed of a dissenter or Romanist knowing !
We went thence to St. St. for the evening, and now Papa has walked me home. Not having been once on wheels, I must have walked about 7 miles.
—Thence to Chapel Royal ; I grieve to say that I cannot so abstract myself as to feel like a Christian in church, when I form part of that select circle of the nobility who sit in the Peeresses' boudoir ; and I was nearly as painfully conscious of a pair of dirty gloves as if I had been at a concert. Oh dear ! there are things allowed by our Church which one wd be ashamed of a dissenter or Romanist knowing !
We went thence to St. St. for the evening, and now Papa has walked me home. Not having been once on wheels, I must have walked about 7 miles.
16May1863, The Drawing Room
LONDON, Saturday, May 16th, 1863.
— Some rain : soft and pleasant. I breakfasted in G. St., and saw old M. set off for the drawing-room, looking her very best, in blue and silver. She was tired to death, having to spend six hours in the performance ; which we happy entrée people [FN: The Gladstones, of course, had the entrée.] achieved in little more than an hour. It bewilders me to think that, at the last drawing-room I was at, the Queen stood there ; the unexampled sunshine of her life yet uneclipsed, and her husband beside her. This one was held by the Princess of Wales, who looked pale and not so lovely as she is generally thought ; but very sweet and winning. Prss. Alice shook hands with me. There were 5 curtseys to be made, as, besides those, there were there Pr. of Wales, and the Cambridges.
— Some rain : soft and pleasant. I breakfasted in G. St., and saw old M. set off for the drawing-room, looking her very best, in blue and silver. She was tired to death, having to spend six hours in the performance ; which we happy entrée people [FN: The Gladstones, of course, had the entrée.] achieved in little more than an hour. It bewilders me to think that, at the last drawing-room I was at, the Queen stood there ; the unexampled sunshine of her life yet uneclipsed, and her husband beside her. This one was held by the Princess of Wales, who looked pale and not so lovely as she is generally thought ; but very sweet and winning. Prss. Alice shook hands with me. There were 5 curtseys to be made, as, besides those, there were there Pr. of Wales, and the Cambridges.
13May1863, Alone in a Cab
LONDON, Wednesday, May 13th, 1863.
—Bkfast in G. St., whence I went alone in a cab, with nothing but a footman, to Shoolbred's again, for the N. room carpet, which I forgot like an idiot yesterday. Willy was presented in his brand new Deputy Lieutenant's uniform. He, his parents and Agnes, had the honour of going to a wonderfully select ball at Pam's, to meet the Prince and Princess.
—Bkfast in G. St., whence I went alone in a cab, with nothing but a footman, to Shoolbred's again, for the N. room carpet, which I forgot like an idiot yesterday. Willy was presented in his brand new Deputy Lieutenant's uniform. He, his parents and Agnes, had the honour of going to a wonderfully select ball at Pam's, to meet the Prince and Princess.
10May1863, Four Sermons
LONDON, 5th Sunday after Easter, May 10th, 1863.
—Same weather ; finer than yesterday. Whereas in London I generally hear but one sermon in church, to-day I have heard three. Papa came as usual, and we all went to Whitehall, where Canon Stanley preached beautifully on the Triumphs of Death. S. James in the aft : the Bishop of London preached on the use of the historic books of the Bible. Thence I went to St. St., where Mrs. Talbot called to see me, and I went at 7 with her and Ldy Wharncliffe and daughter (the latter really recovered) to a delightful, hearty, congregational Service at S. Peter's, Windmill St., where they have just set up a new organ. Good sermon by Mr. Kempe on Church music. Papa dropped me at home, and so it fell out that I came in for prayers here, and a fourth sermon, a short striking one, Uncle W.'s own, on the Ascension.
—Same weather ; finer than yesterday. Whereas in London I generally hear but one sermon in church, to-day I have heard three. Papa came as usual, and we all went to Whitehall, where Canon Stanley preached beautifully on the Triumphs of Death. S. James in the aft : the Bishop of London preached on the use of the historic books of the Bible. Thence I went to St. St., where Mrs. Talbot called to see me, and I went at 7 with her and Ldy Wharncliffe and daughter (the latter really recovered) to a delightful, hearty, congregational Service at S. Peter's, Windmill St., where they have just set up a new organ. Good sermon by Mr. Kempe on Church music. Papa dropped me at home, and so it fell out that I came in for prayers here, and a fourth sermon, a short striking one, Uncle W.'s own, on the Ascension.
09May1863, Dining at the Gladstones
LONDON, Saturday, May 9th, 1863.
—Agnes and I dined with the P. Gladstones en famille ; while uncle and aunt dined at Marlborough House, and came away raving of the Princess of course !
—Agnes and I dined with the P. Gladstones en famille ; while uncle and aunt dined at Marlborough House, and came away raving of the Princess of course !
04May1863, A Speech by Uncle William
LONDON, Monday, May 4th, 1863.
—We drove a little, and then ! went to the House of Commons and heard Uncle William's splendid speech in defence of his extraordinary proposal of income-taxing charities. He bore down all before him while he spoke ; defending himself, as none but he can do, by dint of his marvellous eloquence and ingenuity, and by the evident strength and depth of his own convictions, which gave tenfold power to all he said. But I can well believe the opposition, when it calls the scheme "monstrous." The cry against it is tremendous : an enormous deputation waited upon him this afternoon, headed by the D. of Cambridge and the 2 Archbishops, the House was nearly to a man against him, and so (though his speech converted some), he withdrew the motion.
We went, somewhat exhausted in mind and body, to Ly. H. Vane's ball after this. I danced with Messrs. Lascelles and Wortley, Lord Cowper, and was engaged to Lord Lennox, when we had to go. But there ! I haven't mentioned that the Princess of Wales came quite incog. with 2 ladies, to hear the debate ! and had to go before the speech. We saw her lovely, fair, gracious profile very well.
—We drove a little, and then ! went to the House of Commons and heard Uncle William's splendid speech in defence of his extraordinary proposal of income-taxing charities. He bore down all before him while he spoke ; defending himself, as none but he can do, by dint of his marvellous eloquence and ingenuity, and by the evident strength and depth of his own convictions, which gave tenfold power to all he said. But I can well believe the opposition, when it calls the scheme "monstrous." The cry against it is tremendous : an enormous deputation waited upon him this afternoon, headed by the D. of Cambridge and the 2 Archbishops, the House was nearly to a man against him, and so (though his speech converted some), he withdrew the motion.
We went, somewhat exhausted in mind and body, to Ly. H. Vane's ball after this. I danced with Messrs. Lascelles and Wortley, Lord Cowper, and was engaged to Lord Lennox, when we had to go. But there ! I haven't mentioned that the Princess of Wales came quite incog. with 2 ladies, to hear the debate ! and had to go before the speech. We saw her lovely, fair, gracious profile very well.
02May1863, The Prince of Wales Bows
LONDON, Saturday, May 2nd, 1863.
—Rode with Agnes. As we cantered up Constitution Hill, we saw a young man riding in front of us, who proved to be the Prince of Wales ; only one gentleman with him, and a groom. And near the Marble Arch, a little phaeton with pair of ponies driven by a very pretty young lady, passed us : somebody in deep mourning was with her. The carriage looked like a Royal one ; and we have nearly made up our minds that the young lady was the Princess ; the only objection being that she was not very like her ! Coming back, the Prince of Wales passed us, and made us a beautiful bow. We saw him within the gates of Marlborough House, where they are just established.
Ly. Pam's [FN: Lady Palmerston.] party very full : I saw Lord Robt. Cecil,[FN: Afterwards Lord Salisbury, the Prime Minister.] who is supposed to have written a keen, clever, and cutting article abt this governt. in the Quarterly some time ago ; "Four Years of a Reforming Administration."
—Rode with Agnes. As we cantered up Constitution Hill, we saw a young man riding in front of us, who proved to be the Prince of Wales ; only one gentleman with him, and a groom. And near the Marble Arch, a little phaeton with pair of ponies driven by a very pretty young lady, passed us : somebody in deep mourning was with her. The carriage looked like a Royal one ; and we have nearly made up our minds that the young lady was the Princess ; the only objection being that she was not very like her ! Coming back, the Prince of Wales passed us, and made us a beautiful bow. We saw him within the gates of Marlborough House, where they are just established.
Ly. Pam's [FN: Lady Palmerston.] party very full : I saw Lord Robt. Cecil,[FN: Afterwards Lord Salisbury, the Prime Minister.] who is supposed to have written a keen, clever, and cutting article abt this governt. in the Quarterly some time ago ; "Four Years of a Reforming Administration."
01May1863, May Day and King Lear
LONDON, Friday, May Day, 1863. SS. Philip and James.
—I had the immense treat of going with Mrs. Watson and Miss Boyle to hear F. Kemble read "King Lear," as I did once before, in '56, I think. I cried horribly.
—I had the immense treat of going with Mrs. Watson and Miss Boyle to hear F. Kemble read "King Lear," as I did once before, in '56, I think. I cried horribly.
27Apr1863, Princess's wedding gifts
LONDON, Monday, April 27th, 1863.
—Still warmer. The lilacs are all out. We went to the Kensington Museum to see the Princess's wedding gifts, which were hardly worth the exertion. Most of the jewels have been taken away, and many things were in very bad taste. Afterwards we went to breakfast at Ld. Grosvenor's : such luxurious splendour their house is full of ; it looked like fairy-land. Saw their eldest children, Lord Belgrave, a fine fellow of ten, very tall, and a little like Cousin Ebbett ! and Lady Elizabeth, a most lovely angel-faced little thing of six, like the Duchess of Argyll. She came softly in in her tiny riding-habit.
—Still warmer. The lilacs are all out. We went to the Kensington Museum to see the Princess's wedding gifts, which were hardly worth the exertion. Most of the jewels have been taken away, and many things were in very bad taste. Afterwards we went to breakfast at Ld. Grosvenor's : such luxurious splendour their house is full of ; it looked like fairy-land. Saw their eldest children, Lord Belgrave, a fine fellow of ten, very tall, and a little like Cousin Ebbett ! and Lady Elizabeth, a most lovely angel-faced little thing of six, like the Duchess of Argyll. She came softly in in her tiny riding-habit.
24Apr1863, New Hats
LONDON, Friday, April 24th, 1863.
—At. C. picked me up, and we went to S. James at 11, after which we went with the girls and shopped with extraordinary vigour and success : got them and myself hats of the high-crowned fashion, which in its extreme (but ours are moderate) is suggestive of something between a bandit and a Tyrolese.
—At. C. picked me up, and we went to S. James at 11, after which we went with the girls and shopped with extraordinary vigour and success : got them and myself hats of the high-crowned fashion, which in its extreme (but ours are moderate) is suggestive of something between a bandit and a Tyrolese.
11Apr1863, The Valse
HAGLEY, Saturday, April 11th, 1863.
—I have mastered the Scotch reel, and Charles has fairly learnt to valse.
—I have mastered the Scotch reel, and Charles has fairly learnt to valse.
Friday, February 01, 2008
10Mar1863, The Wedding of the Prince of Wales
LONDON, Tuesday, March 10th, 1863.
—The great day of the Prince of Wales' marriage to Princess Alexandra of Denmark. I must try and put down a detailed account, for of course this day has been one in a thousand, and it can hardly be that one life-time should include another pageant so great, magnificent, and stately, combined as it is in this case with so much that is true and beautiful and deeply moving. In short, a pageant with inward as well as outward beauty ! Agnes and her sisters, Toney Gladstone and I, got excellent places in the nave of S. George's Chapel, after some difficulties on the way. The seats in the nave, when we came in, were not half filled ; but by the end of the two hours that we waited, every place was taken. I can't describe the glowing effect of the tiers of bright colour, immensely heightened by the uniformed grandees that kept passing through, the Beefeaters and gold-encrusted trumpeters, and the heralds in their tabards, which are only worn when the Sovereign is present at great State occasions. From time to time gorgeous duchesses, etc., every one in full Court dress (except the train) and diamonds, passed down the nave ; but only to look about them, as they had seats in the choir. About 11½ the Archbishop of Canterbury, and all the officiating Bishops and clergy, of whom the Bishop of Oxford and the Dean of Windsor were in robes of the Order of the Garter, passed into the choir by the N. transept door and later all the Knights of the Garter, in their splendid blue velvet robes. But all this was only preparing one ! Abt 12½ the Danish Prince and Princesses and suite went up the nave into the choir ; and very soon after we heard " God save the Queen," faintly, but quite audibly, played over and over again outside the Chapel, and in the middle of its glorious music, which always overcomes me with its pride and pathos—a burst of cheers. That went through me, somehow, most of all. Then there was a silence of expectation, till the band quickly formed at the W. door, and the 1st procession came in, preceded by the drums and trumpets. This was all the Royal family : the Princess of Prussia, leading her little son, Prince William ; Princess Louis of Hesse, their husbands, Princesses Helena, Louise and Beatrice, and Princes Arthur and Leopold ; Prince Alfred, alas ! kept away by his illness, which he had not quite recovered. All looked graceful and Royal indeed ! Princess Royal become exactly like the Queen, whom in a manner she represented. She looked a little sad, and was the one who cried most during the Service. Princess Alice looked wonderfully well, though her confinement is to be next month : both the younger ones grown pretty, with their fair bright faces, and the tiny one of all, though small and white, very winning and darling. After these had disappeared into the choir, the Lord Chamberlain, preceded by the heralds, left the Chapel, to bring the bridegroom. And very soon after, the trumpets and drums again sounded joyously, the officers of the Prince's household marched in, all glittering in uniform, and then ! as the trumpets filed off into the transepts, and the organ pealed, the Prince of Wales, in the robes of the Order of the Garter, entered the nave ; the blue velvet cloak giving height and dignity to his figure ; his face a little pale, but bright, gentle, and gracious, in its youth and happiness : his bows right and left full of royal grace, his whole manner beautiful and regal. When this procession had passed, the Lord Chamberlain again went out, and this time the clang of the trumpets was followed by the organ and orchestra thundering out the " Wedding March " in Athalie ; and the Bride whom all England was greeting, and for whom the prayers of millions were going up ; our pride and hope ; in all the beauty of her youth, her sweet face bent down, her small head crowned with orange-flower, her step queenly, and her whole look the perfection of maiden grace, entered the nave. Her white train was carried by eight bridesmaids, daughters of the Dukes of Buccleuch and St. Albans, and of Lords Westminster, Elgin, Listowel, Hardwicke, Cawdor, Clarendon, Mount-Edgcumbe and Cowley. 2 of these are in by mistake : which I don't know. And now the Service began, the Archbishop's sonorous voice was so clear, that, having prayer-books, Agnes and I were able to follow it all ; and wonderfully striking it was to hear the simple solemn words, which bless quiet marriages in little country churches, spoken here in the face of all the splendour and pomp of England, and addressed to these two descendants of kings. I know this is a trite thought, but it is a grand one ; and may one not hope that in many hearts it awoke the earnest longing prayer that the King of Kings, thus acknowledged, would pour down upon them the blessing without which vain and false indeed would be all this rejoicing and all our loyal hopes. A beautiful solemn chorale of the Prince Consort's was sung, Jenny Lind's glorious notes ringing above all, and the Deus Misereatur chanted. And the Service ended with the great blessing : " The Peace of God . . ." Then followed a short pause, while the joyful bells chimed, and the guns fired from the Castle. The first was fired immediately after their hands were joined. And now all in the nave rose, while the " Mount of Olives " Hallelujah burst from the orchestra, and the Prince and Princess of Wales, this time heading the procession, left the choir, followed by the whole gorgeous array. Both looked less agitated ; the Princess ventured to raise her eyes, and the beaming, proud happiness on the Prince's face was a joy to see. All this was what we in the nave saw ; but ah me ! what it must have been to have been in the choir ! All agree in saying that the Prince's manner, in the trying minutes that he had to wait alone at the altar, was perfect in its simple, unaffected seriousness. The solemn and most moving point in all the ceremony was the presence of the Queen, who took no public part, but sat in her place (visible to all in the choir) at the N. of the altar, in her widow's weeds. To her the Prince looked up as soon as he reached the altar, and she seemed to bless and pray for them. She bore up through all, crying only very little, though it must have filled her with mournful memories and sad yearnings ; for oh, it would have been a day without a cloud, if his presence had been there ! As it was, the sight of her, around whom all centres, the head and Queen of it all, in her deep sorrow and loneliness, cast a heavy shadow over the sunny hope and joy. May the marriage only be to her a blessed source of cheering and comfort, that her evening time may be light !
The Bride trembled extremely at first, but was heard giving her troth in a clear childlike voice, with a slightly foreign accent. The Prince's " I will " was distinct and emphatic. The Queen knelt, burying her face in her hands, during the concluding blessing. And so—it was over ! Oh that our prayers may prevail ! that Thou wouldst indeed bless them !
Granny had the honour of being with the Queen.
From 8½ to 3½ in the morning Atie. Pussy, Miss Gladstone, Mrs. Talbot, John, Edward, and I, were struggling through the mighty crowds, seeing the illuminations, in a great van. We cd not get into the City, and so failed to see S. Paul's, which was illuminated, but it proved a failure. We saw the W. end illuminations well, but it wasn't worth the hours of jam and wedge. A great sight, however, for never was such universal and vehement rejoicing : millions of excited people, all wonderfully good humoured and well behaved. The Talbots got home abt 3, walking from Waterloo Bridge, where we came to a hopeless stick, but finally got home by the Strand. What an endless acct ! and yet I have not mentioned half, either of facts or feelings. Bright sunny weather till late. Fine night.
—The great day of the Prince of Wales' marriage to Princess Alexandra of Denmark. I must try and put down a detailed account, for of course this day has been one in a thousand, and it can hardly be that one life-time should include another pageant so great, magnificent, and stately, combined as it is in this case with so much that is true and beautiful and deeply moving. In short, a pageant with inward as well as outward beauty ! Agnes and her sisters, Toney Gladstone and I, got excellent places in the nave of S. George's Chapel, after some difficulties on the way. The seats in the nave, when we came in, were not half filled ; but by the end of the two hours that we waited, every place was taken. I can't describe the glowing effect of the tiers of bright colour, immensely heightened by the uniformed grandees that kept passing through, the Beefeaters and gold-encrusted trumpeters, and the heralds in their tabards, which are only worn when the Sovereign is present at great State occasions. From time to time gorgeous duchesses, etc., every one in full Court dress (except the train) and diamonds, passed down the nave ; but only to look about them, as they had seats in the choir. About 11½ the Archbishop of Canterbury, and all the officiating Bishops and clergy, of whom the Bishop of Oxford and the Dean of Windsor were in robes of the Order of the Garter, passed into the choir by the N. transept door and later all the Knights of the Garter, in their splendid blue velvet robes. But all this was only preparing one ! Abt 12½ the Danish Prince and Princesses and suite went up the nave into the choir ; and very soon after we heard " God save the Queen," faintly, but quite audibly, played over and over again outside the Chapel, and in the middle of its glorious music, which always overcomes me with its pride and pathos—a burst of cheers. That went through me, somehow, most of all. Then there was a silence of expectation, till the band quickly formed at the W. door, and the 1st procession came in, preceded by the drums and trumpets. This was all the Royal family : the Princess of Prussia, leading her little son, Prince William ; Princess Louis of Hesse, their husbands, Princesses Helena, Louise and Beatrice, and Princes Arthur and Leopold ; Prince Alfred, alas ! kept away by his illness, which he had not quite recovered. All looked graceful and Royal indeed ! Princess Royal become exactly like the Queen, whom in a manner she represented. She looked a little sad, and was the one who cried most during the Service. Princess Alice looked wonderfully well, though her confinement is to be next month : both the younger ones grown pretty, with their fair bright faces, and the tiny one of all, though small and white, very winning and darling. After these had disappeared into the choir, the Lord Chamberlain, preceded by the heralds, left the Chapel, to bring the bridegroom. And very soon after, the trumpets and drums again sounded joyously, the officers of the Prince's household marched in, all glittering in uniform, and then ! as the trumpets filed off into the transepts, and the organ pealed, the Prince of Wales, in the robes of the Order of the Garter, entered the nave ; the blue velvet cloak giving height and dignity to his figure ; his face a little pale, but bright, gentle, and gracious, in its youth and happiness : his bows right and left full of royal grace, his whole manner beautiful and regal. When this procession had passed, the Lord Chamberlain again went out, and this time the clang of the trumpets was followed by the organ and orchestra thundering out the " Wedding March " in Athalie ; and the Bride whom all England was greeting, and for whom the prayers of millions were going up ; our pride and hope ; in all the beauty of her youth, her sweet face bent down, her small head crowned with orange-flower, her step queenly, and her whole look the perfection of maiden grace, entered the nave. Her white train was carried by eight bridesmaids, daughters of the Dukes of Buccleuch and St. Albans, and of Lords Westminster, Elgin, Listowel, Hardwicke, Cawdor, Clarendon, Mount-Edgcumbe and Cowley. 2 of these are in by mistake : which I don't know. And now the Service began, the Archbishop's sonorous voice was so clear, that, having prayer-books, Agnes and I were able to follow it all ; and wonderfully striking it was to hear the simple solemn words, which bless quiet marriages in little country churches, spoken here in the face of all the splendour and pomp of England, and addressed to these two descendants of kings. I know this is a trite thought, but it is a grand one ; and may one not hope that in many hearts it awoke the earnest longing prayer that the King of Kings, thus acknowledged, would pour down upon them the blessing without which vain and false indeed would be all this rejoicing and all our loyal hopes. A beautiful solemn chorale of the Prince Consort's was sung, Jenny Lind's glorious notes ringing above all, and the Deus Misereatur chanted. And the Service ended with the great blessing : " The Peace of God . . ." Then followed a short pause, while the joyful bells chimed, and the guns fired from the Castle. The first was fired immediately after their hands were joined. And now all in the nave rose, while the " Mount of Olives " Hallelujah burst from the orchestra, and the Prince and Princess of Wales, this time heading the procession, left the choir, followed by the whole gorgeous array. Both looked less agitated ; the Princess ventured to raise her eyes, and the beaming, proud happiness on the Prince's face was a joy to see. All this was what we in the nave saw ; but ah me ! what it must have been to have been in the choir ! All agree in saying that the Prince's manner, in the trying minutes that he had to wait alone at the altar, was perfect in its simple, unaffected seriousness. The solemn and most moving point in all the ceremony was the presence of the Queen, who took no public part, but sat in her place (visible to all in the choir) at the N. of the altar, in her widow's weeds. To her the Prince looked up as soon as he reached the altar, and she seemed to bless and pray for them. She bore up through all, crying only very little, though it must have filled her with mournful memories and sad yearnings ; for oh, it would have been a day without a cloud, if his presence had been there ! As it was, the sight of her, around whom all centres, the head and Queen of it all, in her deep sorrow and loneliness, cast a heavy shadow over the sunny hope and joy. May the marriage only be to her a blessed source of cheering and comfort, that her evening time may be light !
The Bride trembled extremely at first, but was heard giving her troth in a clear childlike voice, with a slightly foreign accent. The Prince's " I will " was distinct and emphatic. The Queen knelt, burying her face in her hands, during the concluding blessing. And so—it was over ! Oh that our prayers may prevail ! that Thou wouldst indeed bless them !
Granny had the honour of being with the Queen.
From 8½ to 3½ in the morning Atie. Pussy, Miss Gladstone, Mrs. Talbot, John, Edward, and I, were struggling through the mighty crowds, seeing the illuminations, in a great van. We cd not get into the City, and so failed to see S. Paul's, which was illuminated, but it proved a failure. We saw the W. end illuminations well, but it wasn't worth the hours of jam and wedge. A great sight, however, for never was such universal and vehement rejoicing : millions of excited people, all wonderfully good humoured and well behaved. The Talbots got home abt 3, walking from Waterloo Bridge, where we came to a hopeless stick, but finally got home by the Strand. What an endless acct ! and yet I have not mentioned half, either of facts or feelings. Bright sunny weather till late. Fine night.
Friday, January 18, 2008
10Feb1863, Pottering about Althorp
ALTHORP, Tuesday, February 10th, 1863.
—Delightful day, which got brighter and warmer every hour, and ended in a lovely mild starlight night. We drove with 4 in hand to Weedon, thence with 4 posters to Worm¬leighton. Pottered abt pleasantly among the cottages while Althorp and Ld. Suffield tried hunters, and had excellent luncheon at the agent's. Mem. the white-haired wizzy woman of 50, who had a fat 17th baby of 16 months old ! ! The drive home was very charming ; Miss Spalding and I capped verses most of the way. The open carriage wasn't a bit cold at ¼7. The D. of Rutland has had another tremendous fall out hunting. Papa went to London at 6½ a.m.
—Delightful day, which got brighter and warmer every hour, and ended in a lovely mild starlight night. We drove with 4 in hand to Weedon, thence with 4 posters to Worm¬leighton. Pottered abt pleasantly among the cottages while Althorp and Ld. Suffield tried hunters, and had excellent luncheon at the agent's. Mem. the white-haired wizzy woman of 50, who had a fat 17th baby of 16 months old ! ! The drive home was very charming ; Miss Spalding and I capped verses most of the way. The open carriage wasn't a bit cold at ¼7. The D. of Rutland has had another tremendous fall out hunting. Papa went to London at 6½ a.m.
12Jan1863, American War may possibly end
HAGLEY, Monday, January 12th, 1863.
—There is a real steady increase of work in the N., thank God, and a notion that the American War may possibly end.
—There is a real steady increase of work in the N., thank God, and a notion that the American War may possibly end.
11Jan1863, A copy of the Prince's speeches
HAGLEY, 1st Sunday after Epiphany, January 11th, 1863.
—Granny has received from the Queen a copy, in white morocco, of the Prince's speeches, with an inscription written by her own hand, and most touching.
—Granny has received from the Queen a copy, in white morocco, of the Prince's speeches, with an inscription written by her own hand, and most touching.
23Dec1862, Papa's lecture on poetry
HAGLEY, Tuesday, December 23rd, 1862.
—And, in the evening, came off a memorable delight : Papa's lecture on poetry, with selections from Milton, Byron, Shelley, Pope, Wordsworth, Cowper, Rogers, Longfellow, Burns, Hemans, Hood, Crabbe, and others. I can't go into raptures somehow on paper about it ; but it was to me enjoyment only next to listening to mighty music, and I am in a realm of beauty and harmony which has, Oh me ! too much of heaven in it to abide long with me in this work-a-day world. Charles' raving of it to me afterwards, showing all his deep and high appreciation, was not the least of the delight. Mr. Claughton, Mr. and Mrs. Turner, Mr. Stayner, and the Miss Rogerses dine, the latter much gratified and touched by the beautiful bit of "Human Life" which Papa read from their uncle's poetry. Win greatly delighted in spite of her prosaic nature. Alas for M. and John ! Mem. very especially " My Mary."
—And, in the evening, came off a memorable delight : Papa's lecture on poetry, with selections from Milton, Byron, Shelley, Pope, Wordsworth, Cowper, Rogers, Longfellow, Burns, Hemans, Hood, Crabbe, and others. I can't go into raptures somehow on paper about it ; but it was to me enjoyment only next to listening to mighty music, and I am in a realm of beauty and harmony which has, Oh me ! too much of heaven in it to abide long with me in this work-a-day world. Charles' raving of it to me afterwards, showing all his deep and high appreciation, was not the least of the delight. Mr. Claughton, Mr. and Mrs. Turner, Mr. Stayner, and the Miss Rogerses dine, the latter much gratified and touched by the beautiful bit of "Human Life" which Papa read from their uncle's poetry. Win greatly delighted in spite of her prosaic nature. Alas for M. and John ! Mem. very especially " My Mary."
21Dec1862, Lancashire distress widens
HAGLEY, 4th Sunday in Advent, December 21st, 1862.
-Collections for Lancash. came to abt £16 : the statistics are still awful, in spite of the enormous sums that have been sent ; more mills stop every week, the population is losing wages at the rate of £8,000,000 annually, and the distress is gradually widening to other classes.
-Collections for Lancash. came to abt £16 : the statistics are still awful, in spite of the enormous sums that have been sent ; more mills stop every week, the population is losing wages at the rate of £8,000,000 annually, and the distress is gradually widening to other classes.
18Dec1862, One of the very best balls I ever was at
HAWARDEN, Thursday, December 18th, 1862.
—With anything but alacrity, Albert and I, minus the dear young couple, came to Hawarden, where we find Ly. Louisa and Ld. Frederic Cavendish, Lascelles and Wilbrahams, Mr. F. Wortley, Hugh and Arthur Gladstone, Ly. L. Cotes, and some others. Stephy, and Willy, who, poor fellow, has only taken a 3rd in Law and Modern History ; but hardly expected to do better, as he had to begin late. I must say, if anything cd comfort me for leaving home just now, it wd be one of the very best and most lively balls I ever was at. We began at 9½, and ended about 2½. My partners Ld. F. Cavendish, Mr. Astley, oh I cannot remember them, but I danced everything. Two glorious country dances, and a reel ! Not that I danced that, except a hop or two to relieve Atie. P.
—With anything but alacrity, Albert and I, minus the dear young couple, came to Hawarden, where we find Ly. Louisa and Ld. Frederic Cavendish, Lascelles and Wilbrahams, Mr. F. Wortley, Hugh and Arthur Gladstone, Ly. L. Cotes, and some others. Stephy, and Willy, who, poor fellow, has only taken a 3rd in Law and Modern History ; but hardly expected to do better, as he had to begin late. I must say, if anything cd comfort me for leaving home just now, it wd be one of the very best and most lively balls I ever was at. We began at 9½, and ended about 2½. My partners Ld. F. Cavendish, Mr. Astley, oh I cannot remember them, but I danced everything. Two glorious country dances, and a reel ! Not that I danced that, except a hop or two to relieve Atie. P.
07Dec1862, Lancashire distress
HAGLEY, 2nd Sunday in Advent, December 7th, 1862.—
Uncle B. on the Lancash. distress, for which the collection was made ; viz. £1.
Uncle B. on the Lancash. distress, for which the collection was made ; viz. £1.
03Dec1862, Uncle William, King of Greece
HAGLEY, Wednesday, December 3rd, 1862.
—Bp. Colenso has written a foolish and shallow little set of arithmetical doubts about the Pentateuch. Garibaldi's ball has been got out ! The Greeks want to elect as their king either Prince Alfred or — Uncle William !
—Bp. Colenso has written a foolish and shallow little set of arithmetical doubts about the Pentateuch. Garibaldi's ball has been got out ! The Greeks want to elect as their king either Prince Alfred or — Uncle William !
30Nov1862, Kitchen feeds 1,000 daily
HAGLEY, Advent Sunday, November 30th, 1862.
—Letter : from Atie. Pussy, who gave many Blackburn and other Lancashire details : they are collecting to give the poor people a Christmas dinner. Her kitchen already feeds 1,000 daily.
—Letter : from Atie. Pussy, who gave many Blackburn and other Lancashire details : they are collecting to give the poor people a Christmas dinner. Her kitchen already feeds 1,000 daily.
28Nov1862, Ticket-of-leave men
HAGLEY, Friday, November 28th, 1862.
—Garotting and ticket-of-leave men are great subjects ; they are rife enough to make even the principal London streets unsafe.
—Garotting and ticket-of-leave men are great subjects ; they are rife enough to make even the principal London streets unsafe.
27Nov1862, A fall from a horse
HAGLEY, Thursday, November 27th, 1862.
—I rode on the hunter with Winny on the Maid, and Bobby (who is a sad coward, but doesn't sit amiss) on Charger with leading rein. The hunter was exceedingly fresh, but went pleasantly enough, with occasional capers, which I am used to and rather like, till we got to the Brake, and there cantering along the sandy bit of road beyond Widow Smith's, he gave a tremendous kick, the 1st time he has ever done so with me. To my astonishment and humiliation, off I fell, but, thank God, was only rather bruised, falling on my side and arm. We went home by Stukenbridge, but I couldn't canter without a kick, so we trotted and walked. But we set off as usual for the avenue, and accordingly the hunter gave another amazing kick, worse than the first, in spite of which I rejoice to say I kept on : and so we got home with my nerves a little shaken.
—I rode on the hunter with Winny on the Maid, and Bobby (who is a sad coward, but doesn't sit amiss) on Charger with leading rein. The hunter was exceedingly fresh, but went pleasantly enough, with occasional capers, which I am used to and rather like, till we got to the Brake, and there cantering along the sandy bit of road beyond Widow Smith's, he gave a tremendous kick, the 1st time he has ever done so with me. To my astonishment and humiliation, off I fell, but, thank God, was only rather bruised, falling on my side and arm. We went home by Stukenbridge, but I couldn't canter without a kick, so we trotted and walked. But we set off as usual for the avenue, and accordingly the hunter gave another amazing kick, worse than the first, in spite of which I rejoice to say I kept on : and so we got home with my nerves a little shaken.
26Nov1862, Papa whistles
HAGLEY, Wednesday, November 26th, 1862.
—I heard Papa whistle (softly and half to himself) for the 1st time since '57.
—I heard Papa whistle (softly and half to himself) for the 1st time since '57.
24Nov1862, Returning to threadbare home
HAGLEY, Monday, November 24th, 1862.
—Mr. Smith (one of the guests) came with us to Derby, where I sat for an hour ; got home at 4, and had a snug evng nearly do. to last Monday. The house looks a little scrubby and threadbare !
—Mr. Smith (one of the guests) came with us to Derby, where I sat for an hour ; got home at 4, and had a snug evng nearly do. to last Monday. The house looks a little scrubby and threadbare !
24Nov1862, Bidding a round of good-byes
CHATSWORTH, Monday, November 24th, 1862.
—Sharp frost. I have not often done a more blowing thing than marching into the breakfast-room this morng at 1/4 10 and bidding a round of good-byes to all the august guests there assembled ! Like many awful things, however, it was soon over, and I was immensely flattered and a little astonished at receiving a kiss from both Ly. Louisa and the Duchess of Argyll ! !
—Sharp frost. I have not often done a more blowing thing than marching into the breakfast-room this morng at 1/4 10 and bidding a round of good-byes to all the august guests there assembled ! Like many awful things, however, it was soon over, and I was immensely flattered and a little astonished at receiving a kiss from both Ly. Louisa and the Duchess of Argyll ! !
23Nov1862, The church is something dreadful
CHATSWORTH, 23rd Sunday after Trinity, November 23rd, 1862.
—Fine bright day. The church (to which we went in the morng) is something too dreadful : behind the altar and sitting upon the E. window, which it entirely hides, is a hideous and purely heathen monument of two brothers (one a skeleton) supported on one side by Mars and a suit of armour, on the other by Minerva and a peer's robes ; the whole surmounted by a clumsy trumpeting angel (or Cupid ?) What words can describe the worse than Smithfield pens we were jammed into ? and in which the care necessary to avoid falling foul of everyone's eye, kicking everyone's hat, and sitting upon everyone's lap, was most oppressive. Oh dear ! how can people go Sunday after Sunday to such a place, and think they are worshipping God in the beauty of holiness ? Scott has, however, made a plan for a new church.
—Fine bright day. The church (to which we went in the morng) is something too dreadful : behind the altar and sitting upon the E. window, which it entirely hides, is a hideous and purely heathen monument of two brothers (one a skeleton) supported on one side by Mars and a suit of armour, on the other by Minerva and a peer's robes ; the whole surmounted by a clumsy trumpeting angel (or Cupid ?) What words can describe the worse than Smithfield pens we were jammed into ? and in which the care necessary to avoid falling foul of everyone's eye, kicking everyone's hat, and sitting upon everyone's lap, was most oppressive. Oh dear ! how can people go Sunday after Sunday to such a place, and think they are worshipping God in the beauty of holiness ? Scott has, however, made a plan for a new church.
22Nov1862, Exploring Chatsworth
CHATSWORTH, Saturday, November 22nd, 1862.
—Lovely morng, very little frost. As usual the 3rd day makes a great step in pleasantness ; but be at my ease I cannot. The poor little nervous Miss Howard (Ly. Fanny's daughter), who comes meekly up to one as if for protection, touches me. She has ill health. We saw the state rooms and the statue gallery, all full of splendour. Drove behind the p. carriage with Ly. Louisa and Ly. Constance (not behind !) to beautiful Haddon Hall : the retriever who came with us caught a rabbit on an ivy-covered buttress. Tallee drove back instead of Ly. Constance, and we three capped verses. The Argylls came, and Ld. Grosvenor is expected. Tallee read a still more beautiful sermon of Stanley's preacht before the Prince.
—Lovely morng, very little frost. As usual the 3rd day makes a great step in pleasantness ; but be at my ease I cannot. The poor little nervous Miss Howard (Ly. Fanny's daughter), who comes meekly up to one as if for protection, touches me. She has ill health. We saw the state rooms and the statue gallery, all full of splendour. Drove behind the p. carriage with Ly. Louisa and Ly. Constance (not behind !) to beautiful Haddon Hall : the retriever who came with us caught a rabbit on an ivy-covered buttress. Tallee drove back instead of Ly. Constance, and we three capped verses. The Argylls came, and Ld. Grosvenor is expected. Tallee read a still more beautiful sermon of Stanley's preacht before the Prince.
21Nov1862, My form of shyness
CHATSWORTH, Friday, November 21st, 1862.
—We walked in the grounds, and saw the glorious conservatory, and the Emperor [FN: A fountain.] playing. Ly. C. Grosvenor came. Ld. Granville was expected, but Ly. Granville is ill. Oh dear, I have an oppressed feeling, which is my form of shyness, I suppose. Nice bits of Tallee ; she read aloud one of Stanley's sermons in the East : beautiful. Letters from and to Papa.
—We walked in the grounds, and saw the glorious conservatory, and the Emperor [FN: A fountain.] playing. Ly. C. Grosvenor came. Ld. Granville was expected, but Ly. Granville is ill. Oh dear, I have an oppressed feeling, which is my form of shyness, I suppose. Nice bits of Tallee ; she read aloud one of Stanley's sermons in the East : beautiful. Letters from and to Papa.
20Nov1862, First Meeting With Future Husband
CHATSWORTH, Thursday, November 20th, 1862.
—A notable day ; I came to Chatsworth chaperoned by At. Y. and Tallee, in default of Papa, who is too busy commissioning, besides he told me he had a romance abt Chatsworth, and wanted to see it in lovely weather, never having been here since '39. It is most delightful being again with my Tallee, and we have managed already a quiet sit and a spell of capping verses ! I can't judge of the house yet, only it seems immeasurable. We find the Duke of Devonshire, Ly. Louisa, and Ld. Frederic Cavendish,[FN: This is the first mention of her future husband.] Ld. and Ly. George Cavendish and daughter, Ld. and Ly. Fanny Howard and daughters, Mr. Charles Clifford, Mr. Vyner, etc., all family I fancy. Round game, at which I won 4s.
—A notable day ; I came to Chatsworth chaperoned by At. Y. and Tallee, in default of Papa, who is too busy commissioning, besides he told me he had a romance abt Chatsworth, and wanted to see it in lovely weather, never having been here since '39. It is most delightful being again with my Tallee, and we have managed already a quiet sit and a spell of capping verses ! I can't judge of the house yet, only it seems immeasurable. We find the Duke of Devonshire, Ly. Louisa, and Ld. Frederic Cavendish,[FN: This is the first mention of her future husband.] Ld. and Ly. George Cavendish and daughter, Ld. and Ly. Fanny Howard and daughters, Mr. Charles Clifford, Mr. Vyner, etc., all family I fancy. Round game, at which I won 4s.
19Nov1862, Clothes for Lancashire
HAGLEY, Wednesday, November 19th, 1862.
—Went to the Rectory after church ; found At. E. up to the ears in old and new clothes which have been sent for Lancashire, and which filled the large bedroom.
—Went to the Rectory after church ; found At. E. up to the ears in old and new clothes which have been sent for Lancashire, and which filled the large bedroom.
14Nov1862, Half-starved constitutions
HAWARDEN, Friday, November 14th, 1862.
—The Relief Committees have a miserable mania for economizing, in order to give more later in the winter : this is horrid, because it is urgently necessary to feed the people now, that they may lay in some stock of strength to resist the bitter weather and the almost inevitable fever, which coming upon half-starved constitutions must be fatal.
—The Relief Committees have a miserable mania for economizing, in order to give more later in the winter : this is horrid, because it is urgently necessary to feed the people now, that they may lay in some stock of strength to resist the bitter weather and the almost inevitable fever, which coming upon half-starved constitutions must be fatal.
10Nov1862, Soup kitchen in Blackburn
HAWARDEN, Monday, November 10th, 1862.
—We wrote many copies for Atie. P. of a plan for setting up a soup kitchen in Blackburn, which is the sort of thing best to be done ; for the papers say if the people are not fed now, before the great cold begins, it will kill them, with fever and atrophy coming upon exhaustion and depression of mind and body.
—We wrote many copies for Atie. P. of a plan for setting up a soup kitchen in Blackburn, which is the sort of thing best to be done ; for the papers say if the people are not fed now, before the great cold begins, it will kill them, with fever and atrophy coming upon exhaustion and depression of mind and body.
07Nov1862, Riot in Blackburn
HAWARDEN, Friday, November 7th, 1862.
—Alas ! a riot broke out yesterday in Blackburn—the 1st there has been, but not against the Guardians or mill-owners, but about some sentencing of poachers. But one fears the example may spread. There seems miserable close-fisting on the part of the Board, which in one case allowed only 4s. to a man and wife and 4 children, who had besides only 6 lbs. of bread and 6 lbs. of meal from the relief committee, and it was reduced to 3s. because he got one week's work. The poor wife fainted 2ce in one morng from hunger. And there are many like cases. It is in the papers, but is hardly credible that the Bishop of Gloucester (the youngest on the Bench) is appointed Archbishop of York ! It is an injury to all the Bishops, but a positive insult to the Bishop of Oxford whose curate he was ! As to Church views and general excellence, however, Bp. Thomson is admirable.
—Alas ! a riot broke out yesterday in Blackburn—the 1st there has been, but not against the Guardians or mill-owners, but about some sentencing of poachers. But one fears the example may spread. There seems miserable close-fisting on the part of the Board, which in one case allowed only 4s. to a man and wife and 4 children, who had besides only 6 lbs. of bread and 6 lbs. of meal from the relief committee, and it was reduced to 3s. because he got one week's work. The poor wife fainted 2ce in one morng from hunger. And there are many like cases. It is in the papers, but is hardly credible that the Bishop of Gloucester (the youngest on the Bench) is appointed Archbishop of York ! It is an injury to all the Bishops, but a positive insult to the Bishop of Oxford whose curate he was ! As to Church views and general excellence, however, Bp. Thomson is admirable.
06Nov1862, A little tired of balls
HAWARDEN, Thursday, November 6th, 1862.
—The ball was very pretty and first-rate ; but I have come to the melancholy conclusion that I have become a little tired of balls !
—The ball was very pretty and first-rate ; but I have come to the melancholy conclusion that I have become a little tired of balls !
05Nov1862, Shining upon the dear picture
HAWARDEN, Wednesday, November 5th, 1862.
—The aftn sun has a beautiful trick of shining upon the dear picture in the dining-room, making it so lovely, that I am reminded of the lines:
And yet a spirit too, and bright
With something of celestial light?
[FN: Wordsworth wrote : " Something of an angel light."]
—The aftn sun has a beautiful trick of shining upon the dear picture in the dining-room, making it so lovely, that I am reminded of the lines:
And yet a spirit too, and bright
With something of celestial light?
[FN: Wordsworth wrote : " Something of an angel light."]
01Nov1862, The Cotton Famine
HAWARDEN, All Saints', Saturday, November 1st, 1862.
—Much talk about the cotton famine ; in Preston what they call the " famine fever " has broken out, and everywhere thousands of fresh paupers come upon the parish weekly. Some of the mill-owners do a good deal, but others, they say, make money by secretly selling the cotton they have in stock while their hands are starving for want of work. Next year cotton things will be frightfully dear. Nobody knows what dreadful misery the winter will bring, as there doesn't seem a hope of improvement for months.
—Much talk about the cotton famine ; in Preston what they call the " famine fever " has broken out, and everywhere thousands of fresh paupers come upon the parish weekly. Some of the mill-owners do a good deal, but others, they say, make money by secretly selling the cotton they have in stock while their hands are starving for want of work. Next year cotton things will be frightfully dear. Nobody knows what dreadful misery the winter will bring, as there doesn't seem a hope of improvement for months.
30Oct1862, Lord Brougham seems altered
HAWARDEN, Thursday, October 30th, 1862.
—I am a fool to leave this place with no more notes abt Ld. Brougham, but he is silent and seems out of spirits and we see little of him. Papa thinks him altered, as he used to be full of fun and conversation.
—I am a fool to leave this place with no more notes abt Ld. Brougham, but he is silent and seems out of spirits and we see little of him. Papa thinks him altered, as he used to be full of fun and conversation.
31Oct1862, Helping the Lancashire unemployed
HAWARDEN, Friday, October 31st, 1862.
—Drove with Atie. Pussy to the new walks on which they are employing 6 poor Lancashire unemployed factory men. Such an excellent plan ; the poor fellows work with a will, and get 12s. a week, and 2 are to have their wives up. The walks will be an immense improvement, there surely never was another park with only one drive through it ! I followed the marked-out track with the children. Papa rode to Chester on Uncle's beautiful horse Firefly. In the house, being trained for service are 10 factory girls ; I wrote letters home for 2 of them, nice forthcoming simple creatures. One dictated : " Please to let me know if trade is any better " —alas ! it gets steadily worse, but there will surely be an end.
—Drove with Atie. Pussy to the new walks on which they are employing 6 poor Lancashire unemployed factory men. Such an excellent plan ; the poor fellows work with a will, and get 12s. a week, and 2 are to have their wives up. The walks will be an immense improvement, there surely never was another park with only one drive through it ! I followed the marked-out track with the children. Papa rode to Chester on Uncle's beautiful horse Firefly. In the house, being trained for service are 10 factory girls ; I wrote letters home for 2 of them, nice forthcoming simple creatures. One dictated : " Please to let me know if trade is any better " —alas ! it gets steadily worse, but there will surely be an end.
29Oct1862, 10 years waiting for a living
BROUGHAM, Wednesday, October 29th, 1862.
—Very lovely day, with a sharp frosty feeling in the air. Cross Fell looked beautiful all day with the purple shadows of the clouds upon it. We spent most of the day seeing the coursing, which was certainly fine on the whole, with the drawbacks of having to walk and stand about in bog, getting cold and clammy feet in consequence, and living in an atmosphere of tobacco. But such of the courses as I saw well made it worth while. The eldest Miss Brougham, poor thing, poured out to me all the griefs of her 9 years' attachment and 1 year's recognized engagement to their clergyman Mr. Edwardes, brother of Ld. Kensington : they are to wait for a better living.
—Very lovely day, with a sharp frosty feeling in the air. Cross Fell looked beautiful all day with the purple shadows of the clouds upon it. We spent most of the day seeing the coursing, which was certainly fine on the whole, with the drawbacks of having to walk and stand about in bog, getting cold and clammy feet in consequence, and living in an atmosphere of tobacco. But such of the courses as I saw well made it worth while. The eldest Miss Brougham, poor thing, poured out to me all the griefs of her 9 years' attachment and 1 year's recognized engagement to their clergyman Mr. Edwardes, brother of Ld. Kensington : they are to wait for a better living.
27Oct1862, Lord Brougham makes me shy
BROUGHAM, Monday, October 27th, 1862.
—This visit I shall look back upon as historic. There are here certain Spaldings, and the William Broughams, with sons and daughters, with the eldest of whom (drs) I cuddled amazingly after dinner ! Lord Brougham [FN: The Lord Chancellor of 1830. He was 84.] took me in, and made me shy and deaf, the latter misfortune generally following upon the former. He has not a sign of failing intelligence : asked kind questions and isn't deaf himself —hardly— which made me feel the stupider.
—This visit I shall look back upon as historic. There are here certain Spaldings, and the William Broughams, with sons and daughters, with the eldest of whom (drs) I cuddled amazingly after dinner ! Lord Brougham [FN: The Lord Chancellor of 1830. He was 84.] took me in, and made me shy and deaf, the latter misfortune generally following upon the former. He has not a sign of failing intelligence : asked kind questions and isn't deaf himself —hardly— which made me feel the stupider.
22Oct1862, A glorious day of beauty
CONISTON, Wednesday, October 22nd, 1862.
—The very wildest howl of wind and pelt of rain, with one or two short bursts of sunshine, till luncheon ; and we sat resignedly in "Mum Atkinson's parlour " with books and letters, giving up all hope of doing the Old Man. But after luncheon, it cleared, and we set off just to go up a little way, and to our joy it kept fine, and we went further and further there, into all the beauties of glen and mountain and, what delighted us most of all, innumerable waterfalls. One was a really great one, and all most lovely and the delicious music of the rushing waters was all round us, everywhere. Tiny threads of water came dancing down the side of all the hills. And oh, the tinting lights, the towering peaks, and the deep valleys ! We got up as high as the last cascade of any size — abt 2/3 of the way, and then, as it began to rain and the wind became so wild that I was actually blown down, I was pintoed enough to turn back with Uncle Stephen, Papa going on. We came down quickly, hopping across innumerable little streams and torrents, and when we were as far down as the copper mills, the tremendous cloud which had been scowling over the Old Man, contrasting most beautifully with the serenest sky and golden sunset light over the lake and valley below us, came down in one of the violent storms. It caught Papa sitting like Pillicock on the top ! which he reached triumphantly. A glorious day of beauty : a joy for ever !
—The very wildest howl of wind and pelt of rain, with one or two short bursts of sunshine, till luncheon ; and we sat resignedly in "Mum Atkinson's parlour " with books and letters, giving up all hope of doing the Old Man. But after luncheon, it cleared, and we set off just to go up a little way, and to our joy it kept fine, and we went further and further there, into all the beauties of glen and mountain and, what delighted us most of all, innumerable waterfalls. One was a really great one, and all most lovely and the delicious music of the rushing waters was all round us, everywhere. Tiny threads of water came dancing down the side of all the hills. And oh, the tinting lights, the towering peaks, and the deep valleys ! We got up as high as the last cascade of any size — abt 2/3 of the way, and then, as it began to rain and the wind became so wild that I was actually blown down, I was pintoed enough to turn back with Uncle Stephen, Papa going on. We came down quickly, hopping across innumerable little streams and torrents, and when we were as far down as the copper mills, the tremendous cloud which had been scowling over the Old Man, contrasting most beautifully with the serenest sky and golden sunset light over the lake and valley below us, came down in one of the violent storms. It caught Papa sitting like Pillicock on the top ! which he reached triumphantly. A glorious day of beauty : a joy for ever !
17Oct1862, First Visit to The Lakes
WINDERMERE, Friday, October 17th, 1862.
—Papa and I left Hagley at 10 1/2, and arrived at Windermere, joining Uncle Stephen at Kendal, at 4 1/2. A gt event for me to see the Lakes ! And my 1st glimpse, I must say, was most beautiful. There was a regular angry lurid sunset over the Old Man, breaking through the heavy clouds, and sending a yellow gleam of light along the neighbouring ridges, as we came puffing up to Windermere. We trapesed a little abt the village, Papa being frantic to get a ferrol on his new stick ; and the stormy weather, though it makes us shake in our shoes, made grand effects in the sky ; and I am in hopes of every sort of light and shade. Meanwhile, a clatter-patter of hail comes dash agst the windows of what Uncle St. calls "Mum Rigg's parlour" from time to time. We had a splendid dinner, and, barring a soupcon of exceedingly bad tobacco in the passages, all is luxury.
—Papa and I left Hagley at 10 1/2, and arrived at Windermere, joining Uncle Stephen at Kendal, at 4 1/2. A gt event for me to see the Lakes ! And my 1st glimpse, I must say, was most beautiful. There was a regular angry lurid sunset over the Old Man, breaking through the heavy clouds, and sending a yellow gleam of light along the neighbouring ridges, as we came puffing up to Windermere. We trapesed a little abt the village, Papa being frantic to get a ferrol on his new stick ; and the stormy weather, though it makes us shake in our shoes, made grand effects in the sky ; and I am in hopes of every sort of light and shade. Meanwhile, a clatter-patter of hail comes dash agst the windows of what Uncle St. calls "Mum Rigg's parlour" from time to time. We had a splendid dinner, and, barring a soupcon of exceedingly bad tobacco in the passages, all is luxury.
06Oct1862, Uninteresting Day
HAGLEY, Monday, October 6th, 1862.
—Grey, uninteresting autumnal day. After such a glorious moonlit night. I said my Prayers looking out into it, and it seemed to purify and exalt them.
—Grey, uninteresting autumnal day. After such a glorious moonlit night. I said my Prayers looking out into it, and it seemed to purify and exalt them.
25Sep1862, Horrid Knickerbockers
HAGLEY, Thursday, September 25th, 1862.
—Charles went out shooting, in horrid knickerbockers.
—Charles went out shooting, in horrid knickerbockers.
24Sep1862, Charles bags 12 stags
HAGLEY, Wednesday, September 24th, 1862.
—At about 11 a.m. darling old Charles arrived, having been travelling from Sutherland since 7 on Monday morning, with only one night's rest, and having had 2 or 3 accidents from first to last. But here he is safe and sound, thank God, in a most splendid state of health and vigour, and having killed 12 stags, more than anybody else.
—At about 11 a.m. darling old Charles arrived, having been travelling from Sutherland since 7 on Monday morning, with only one night's rest, and having had 2 or 3 accidents from first to last. But here he is safe and sound, thank God, in a most splendid state of health and vigour, and having killed 12 stags, more than anybody else.
20Sep1862, Prince of Wales engaged to Alexandra
HAGLEY, Saturday, September 20th, 1862.
—Delightful accounts of the amiability and attraction of Prss. Alexandra , of the P. of W's. state of bliss, and the Queen's pleasure in the engagement, have come to Granny from Ly. Caroline Barrington. But there is a difficult future, in spite of its immense advantages, before the 18-yr.-old bride.
—Delightful accounts of the amiability and attraction of Prss. Alexandra , of the P. of W's. state of bliss, and the Queen's pleasure in the engagement, have come to Granny from Ly. Caroline Barrington. But there is a difficult future, in spite of its immense advantages, before the 18-yr.-old bride.
18Sep1862, Papa has a tooth out
HAGLEY, Friday, September 19th, 1862.
—Papa has had an enormous tooth out, under choloroform. He didn't feel the smallest pain, tho' it took a quarter of a minute.
—Papa has had an enormous tooth out, under choloroform. He didn't feel the smallest pain, tho' it took a quarter of a minute.
18Sep1862, Darling Tallee Spencer
HAGLEY, Thursday, September 18th, 1862.
—A melancholy day, for the Spencers went. Darling Tallee makes a vacuum in my heart more than most people : many things go to make up my warm love for her, and I miss her dear bendable tall figure, with its indescribable grace, her face, which has a charm to me shining thro' its plainness, but above all, herself : all the anxious, loving, self-condemning humility that comes out in all her talk with one : her reverence and beautiful thoughts. And then she is a little fond of me, which is so nice.
—A melancholy day, for the Spencers went. Darling Tallee makes a vacuum in my heart more than most people : many things go to make up my warm love for her, and I miss her dear bendable tall figure, with its indescribable grace, her face, which has a charm to me shining thro' its plainness, but above all, herself : all the anxious, loving, self-condemning humility that comes out in all her talk with one : her reverence and beautiful thoughts. And then she is a little fond of me, which is so nice.
07Sep1862, Happy Bright Sunday
HAGLEY, 12th Sunday after Trinity, September 7th, 1862.
—A happy bright Sunday — I could not but think the cloudy weather as we entered church, and the glorious sunshine as we came out, typical of the cloud of sins over one as one goes in, and the joy and light in one's heart as one emerges blessed and purified. 0, what a thought that is!
—A happy bright Sunday — I could not but think the cloudy weather as we entered church, and the glorious sunshine as we came out, typical of the cloud of sins over one as one goes in, and the joy and light in one's heart as one emerges blessed and purified. 0, what a thought that is!
Sunday, January 28, 2007
27Aug1862, A Perverted Game of Croquet
HAGLEY, Wednesday, August 27th, 1862.
—Papa, the Sp. Lytteltons, and I went to the county bow meeting held this year at Hewel1. [FN: The house of Lady Windsor, great-grandmother of the present Earl of Plymouth.] It went off very well; and it was nice seeing a good deal of Victoria Clive, who is charming. Also I saw Mrs. and Amelia Claughton, Ly. Mary Clive with her fair small children (the little boy a merry dot,[FN: The late Lord Plymouth.] his birthday to-day, so his health was drunk), Bennetts, Sandys, Fosters, Bakers, Wake-men, etc. We played a portentously long and frightfully perverted game of croquet, which was amusing nevertheless. The dancing for abt an hr and 3/4 great fun, as there was only one valse, one galop, and one quadrille; the rest being double lancers, and one merry country dance. My partners: Messrs. Mordaunt, Lygon, Leigh and Wakeman. We brought home with us for 2 nights said Mr. Leigh,[FN: Afterwards Dean of Hereford.] young clergyman brother of Lord Leigh.
—Papa, the Sp. Lytteltons, and I went to the county bow meeting held this year at Hewel1. [FN: The house of Lady Windsor, great-grandmother of the present Earl of Plymouth.] It went off very well; and it was nice seeing a good deal of Victoria Clive, who is charming. Also I saw Mrs. and Amelia Claughton, Ly. Mary Clive with her fair small children (the little boy a merry dot,[FN: The late Lord Plymouth.] his birthday to-day, so his health was drunk), Bennetts, Sandys, Fosters, Bakers, Wake-men, etc. We played a portentously long and frightfully perverted game of croquet, which was amusing nevertheless. The dancing for abt an hr and 3/4 great fun, as there was only one valse, one galop, and one quadrille; the rest being double lancers, and one merry country dance. My partners: Messrs. Mordaunt, Lygon, Leigh and Wakeman. We brought home with us for 2 nights said Mr. Leigh,[FN: Afterwards Dean of Hereford.] young clergyman brother of Lord Leigh.
25Aug1862, Tiny George
HAGLEY, Monday, August 25th, 1862.
—Tiny George has fairly found his feet, and goes staggering about, jabbering and laughing triumphantly, with one arm high above his head, just as if he was hoisting a sail.
—Tiny George has fairly found his feet, and goes staggering about, jabbering and laughing triumphantly, with one arm high above his head, just as if he was hoisting a sail.
20Aug1862, No Bull's Eye Today
HAGLEY, Wednesday, August 20th, 1862.
—We shot with the rifle, which I do enjoy: no bull's-eye to-day, however.
—We shot with the rifle, which I do enjoy: no bull's-eye to-day, however.
19Aug1862, Shooting the Pea Rifle
HAGLEY, Tuesday, August 19th, 1862.
—We shot with the pea rifle till church time. I never fail to hit the target (at 70 yds.), and grazed the bull's-eye once.
—We shot with the pea rifle till church time. I never fail to hit the target (at 70 yds.), and grazed the bull's-eye once.
15Aug1862, A Tiff With The Grim One
HAGLEY, Friday, August 15th, 1862.
—At. H., children and I made heroic and partially successful efforts to take a wasps' nest. The Misses Rogers called on M. and were gt audience to Baby, who looked her best. I had a terrific tiff with the Grim One. [FN: Her maid.]
—At. H., children and I made heroic and partially successful efforts to take a wasps' nest. The Misses Rogers called on M. and were gt audience to Baby, who looked her best. I had a terrific tiff with the Grim One. [FN: Her maid.]
22Jul1862, Butterer and Butteree
WORCESTER, Tuesday, July 22nd, 1862.
—Came with Papa to Canon Wood's, Worcester, for the Archaeological Society's doings. Went to a meeting where the Mayor and Corporation buttered the Archeologists and the Archaests. (with Papa presiding) buttered the Mayor and Corpn. After every individual had been both butterer and butteree, we set off to do the interesting things in the town, which I was very glad to see, as it's scandalous not to know the lions of one's Cathedral and county town. Mr. Severn Walker and Mr. Parker ciceroned, and we did SS. Andrews and Alban, the Commandery and the Museum. At which last place mem. especially the gloves King Charles I gave to Bp. Juxon on the scaffold. After dinner, lectures in a gt room on the ecclesiology of Worcester in general by Mr. S. Walker (horribly dull), and of Pershore Abbey in particular by Mr. Freeman [FN: No doubt the historian, E. A. Freeman.]; also on little historical and antiquital points by Mr. Something. Sleepiness a little assailed me.
—Came with Papa to Canon Wood's, Worcester, for the Archaeological Society's doings. Went to a meeting where the Mayor and Corporation buttered the Archeologists and the Archaests. (with Papa presiding) buttered the Mayor and Corpn. After every individual had been both butterer and butteree, we set off to do the interesting things in the town, which I was very glad to see, as it's scandalous not to know the lions of one's Cathedral and county town. Mr. Severn Walker and Mr. Parker ciceroned, and we did SS. Andrews and Alban, the Commandery and the Museum. At which last place mem. especially the gloves King Charles I gave to Bp. Juxon on the scaffold. After dinner, lectures in a gt room on the ecclesiology of Worcester in general by Mr. S. Walker (horribly dull), and of Pershore Abbey in particular by Mr. Freeman [FN: No doubt the historian, E. A. Freeman.]; also on little historical and antiquital points by Mr. Something. Sleepiness a little assailed me.
21Jul1862, Federals Have Not Capitulated
HAGLEY, Monday, July 21st, 1862.
—The Federals have not capitulated, as far as we yet know; but are in the last extremity, their general (McClellan) bragging to the last, and lying most tremendously. They must be too ruined, thinned and done for, I shd hope, to attack Canada, where there are 2,000 Guards.
—The Federals have not capitulated, as far as we yet know; but are in the last extremity, their general (McClellan) bragging to the last, and lying most tremendously. They must be too ruined, thinned and done for, I shd hope, to attack Canada, where there are 2,000 Guards.
19Jul1862, Canada Must Look Out
HAGLEY, Saturday, July 19th, 1862.
—Wonderful but probably false report that the whole northern army in America has capitulated. If so, Canada must look out!
—Wonderful but probably false report that the whole northern army in America has capitulated. If so, Canada must look out!
12Jul1862, Deal Old Hagley
HAGLEY, Saturday, July 12th, 1862.
—Home! Oh dear, dear, how lovely, how deeply green the precious old place looks! And it is delicious repose and refreshment coming back. The children all look well: poor little Win, tho', is still headachy, and we are going to take her to Evans. Dear Rectors are established here, to chaperone the tutor (Mr. Richmond [FN: Mr. D. C. Richmond, afterwards Auditor-General.]) and me. I am too happy sitting in my fresh little room again. Before leaving London I finished Vol. VIII of Alison, reading 50 p.; quicker than any other vol. I have read. Miss W., Elly, and Newmany all looked well. I feel I have been away ages! Can't but be so glad I haven't married or anything upsetting! but have fallen back upon dear old Hagley's loving arms.
—Home! Oh dear, dear, how lovely, how deeply green the precious old place looks! And it is delicious repose and refreshment coming back. The children all look well: poor little Win, tho', is still headachy, and we are going to take her to Evans. Dear Rectors are established here, to chaperone the tutor (Mr. Richmond [FN: Mr. D. C. Richmond, afterwards Auditor-General.]) and me. I am too happy sitting in my fresh little room again. Before leaving London I finished Vol. VIII of Alison, reading 50 p.; quicker than any other vol. I have read. Miss W., Elly, and Newmany all looked well. I feel I have been away ages! Can't but be so glad I haven't married or anything upsetting! but have fallen back upon dear old Hagley's loving arms.
11Jul1862, Last London Day
LONDON, Friday, July 11th, 1862.
—Last London day! This is a joyful reflection; and yet, how odd it is! I believe I never say "the last" of anything without an indefinable "serrement de coeur." It must be the secret feeling of the uncertainty of things — the dread of all that may happen before next time, and above all, the shrinking from that pathetic possibility of Never More.
Read 170 p. of Alison. Had luncheon in St. St., whence kind Mrs. Robartes lifted At. C. and me in her carriage to Lord's for the Eton and Harrow match. We saw the Harrow 1st innings and most of the Eton 2nd. Scores: Eton 1st innings 96. Harrow 1st inn. 56. Eton 2nd inn. 170, with 2 wickets to go down. From which the result may be guessed pretty well! Old Nevy has just got into the 11; he got 6 in the 1st inn. not out. The ground was crowded — lots of fashionable people. Saw Lord Lorne and Lord Archibald Campbell, pretty fair boys on ponies. Dined with Papa at Ld. George Quin's, wherewith Ends My London Gaieties. Have been to 14 balls, 15 parties, 5 dinners.
—Last London day! This is a joyful reflection; and yet, how odd it is! I believe I never say "the last" of anything without an indefinable "serrement de coeur." It must be the secret feeling of the uncertainty of things — the dread of all that may happen before next time, and above all, the shrinking from that pathetic possibility of Never More.
Read 170 p. of Alison. Had luncheon in St. St., whence kind Mrs. Robartes lifted At. C. and me in her carriage to Lord's for the Eton and Harrow match. We saw the Harrow 1st innings and most of the Eton 2nd. Scores: Eton 1st innings 96. Harrow 1st inn. 56. Eton 2nd inn. 170, with 2 wickets to go down. From which the result may be guessed pretty well! Old Nevy has just got into the 11; he got 6 in the 1st inn. not out. The ground was crowded — lots of fashionable people. Saw Lord Lorne and Lord Archibald Campbell, pretty fair boys on ponies. Dined with Papa at Ld. George Quin's, wherewith Ends My London Gaieties. Have been to 14 balls, 15 parties, 5 dinners.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
08Jul1862, A Ball at Devonshire House
LONDON, Tuesday, July 8th, 1862.
—I am writing at 5 a.m. Wednesday morng, in the little smoking-room; looking over the poor old town reposing in the pure light, its spires sharply cut up agst the sky, its clock chimes pealing with peculiar clearness thro' the unwonted silence; its birds waking up, and in the distance the 1st rumbles only just beginning. If the ball had over-excited, as it had heated me — this is the sight to calm and purify one!
The ball has been the 1st thoroughly enjoyable: at Devonshire House; and we didn't miss more than 3 or 4 dances. My partners: Mr. Cameron; a nice innominato Cambridge acquaintance; Ld. J. Hervey; Mr. Baker — and finally, for an ideal country dance, Ld. Schomberg Kerr. Never was country dance more delightful! The valsing was immense fun to look at. I was asked once or twice over and above the times I danced, and altogether this last ball has put me in spirits, and made me feel I go off with éclat! Now for quieter thoughts, that better suit this placid day-break.
—I am writing at 5 a.m. Wednesday morng, in the little smoking-room; looking over the poor old town reposing in the pure light, its spires sharply cut up agst the sky, its clock chimes pealing with peculiar clearness thro' the unwonted silence; its birds waking up, and in the distance the 1st rumbles only just beginning. If the ball had over-excited, as it had heated me — this is the sight to calm and purify one!
The ball has been the 1st thoroughly enjoyable: at Devonshire House; and we didn't miss more than 3 or 4 dances. My partners: Mr. Cameron; a nice innominato Cambridge acquaintance; Ld. J. Hervey; Mr. Baker — and finally, for an ideal country dance, Ld. Schomberg Kerr. Never was country dance more delightful! The valsing was immense fun to look at. I was asked once or twice over and above the times I danced, and altogether this last ball has put me in spirits, and made me feel I go off with éclat! Now for quieter thoughts, that better suit this placid day-break.
04Jul1862, Scrubby Napoleon
LONDON, Friday, July 4th, 1862.
—We went to a very smart and charming aftn and eveng at the Duc d'Aumale's; where the impress of ancien régime dignity — the arms with all their array of noble old French names round the room, the pictures of the victories of Louis XIV, the banners and fleurs-de-lis on the wall, filled one with a thrill of respect and compassion for the descendants of the hundred kings of France, ousted by this scrubby Napoleon; and with pride that our country is the one which receives them as Royal guests, all the more because they are fallen. The Prince de Conde is short and not handsome, but with a very pleasing countenance; the little Duc de Guise is a tiny fellow of 8, pretty and exceedingly fair. There were 2 comic Fr. plays, which were an immense delight. In the eveng dancing began, but we stayed a very short time.
—We went to a very smart and charming aftn and eveng at the Duc d'Aumale's; where the impress of ancien régime dignity — the arms with all their array of noble old French names round the room, the pictures of the victories of Louis XIV, the banners and fleurs-de-lis on the wall, filled one with a thrill of respect and compassion for the descendants of the hundred kings of France, ousted by this scrubby Napoleon; and with pride that our country is the one which receives them as Royal guests, all the more because they are fallen. The Prince de Conde is short and not handsome, but with a very pleasing countenance; the little Duc de Guise is a tiny fellow of 8, pretty and exceedingly fair. There were 2 comic Fr. plays, which were an immense delight. In the eveng dancing began, but we stayed a very short time.
01Jul1862, Powdered Hair
LONDON, Tuesday, July 1st, 1862.
—I made luncheon my dinner; tea and cards when I came home, then the old dear took At. C. and me to a big party at Devonshire House. I saw one foreigner who actually had white powder in her hair! She looked lovely. At. Henrietta had an approximation to it; only her powder was brown, which simply looks dirty.
—I made luncheon my dinner; tea and cards when I came home, then the old dear took At. C. and me to a big party at Devonshire House. I saw one foreigner who actually had white powder in her hair! She looked lovely. At. Henrietta had an approximation to it; only her powder was brown, which simply looks dirty.
28Jun1862, Three Day Cricket Match
LONDON, Saturday, June 28th, 1862.
—A splendid match between Gentlemen and Players has been going on at Kennington Oval for the last 3 days; Gentlemen with a prospect of winning. Charles got 57 his 2nd innings in perfectly faultless style, and Papa had the famous luck to see most of it, in spite of being up to the ears in commissionums. Also he caught out 2 or 3 beautifully. At. Wenlock has given me a ball-gown! Letters: to Albert, At. Wenlock, Mrs. Robartes.
—A splendid match between Gentlemen and Players has been going on at Kennington Oval for the last 3 days; Gentlemen with a prospect of winning. Charles got 57 his 2nd innings in perfectly faultless style, and Papa had the famous luck to see most of it, in spite of being up to the ears in commissionums. Also he caught out 2 or 3 beautifully. At. Wenlock has given me a ball-gown! Letters: to Albert, At. Wenlock, Mrs. Robartes.
Friday, January 19, 2007
26Jun1862, A Full Day
LONDON, Thursday, June 26th, 1862.
—A full day; 1st a delightful clever bkfast, whereat were Bp. of Oxford, Archie Sinclair, Papa, Mr. Palgrave, and others: poetry came uppermost, which enchanted me: Mr. Palgrave has just brought out a beautiful collection of English lyrics, called "The Golden Treasury." Then my 60 p. of Alison. Then we went to the ceremonies at the opening of the new House (Greek St., Soho) of Charity — or rather the removed old one, including the laying of the 1st stone of the Chapel, which Atie. P. did very successfully. Chanting processions, etc. After it, resolutions were proposed by Uncle W., Mr. B. Hope, Bp. of Honolulu, Papa, etc. Uncle W. spoke very well, dear Papa beautifully; he was almost overcome when describing the poor people, who have known better days, and who come to the House when at the last extreme of distress, and are saved thereby from perhaps loss of life, or of mind, or of virtue. Then we came home to a concert for which the drawing-rooms were lent. After which the house stood on its head getting tidy. Then a pompous little dinner, for the entertainment of the Viceroy of Egypt; D. and Dss. of Argyll, Lord Brougham, Lord Sydney, Lord and Ly. De Tabley, Sir John Lawrence, Col. Murray, and Mr. Cobden. Finally, Ld. Dudley's lovely and successful ball; I didn't miss one dance! Partners: Sir C. Russell, Mr. Lyme Something, Ld. Dufferin, Ld. S. Kerr — many Worcestershire folk. Happy to-morrow ! [FN: On which day she went to "Israel in Egypt " at the Crystal Palace.] Letter from Miss W.
—A full day; 1st a delightful clever bkfast, whereat were Bp. of Oxford, Archie Sinclair, Papa, Mr. Palgrave, and others: poetry came uppermost, which enchanted me: Mr. Palgrave has just brought out a beautiful collection of English lyrics, called "The Golden Treasury." Then my 60 p. of Alison. Then we went to the ceremonies at the opening of the new House (Greek St., Soho) of Charity — or rather the removed old one, including the laying of the 1st stone of the Chapel, which Atie. P. did very successfully. Chanting processions, etc. After it, resolutions were proposed by Uncle W., Mr. B. Hope, Bp. of Honolulu, Papa, etc. Uncle W. spoke very well, dear Papa beautifully; he was almost overcome when describing the poor people, who have known better days, and who come to the House when at the last extreme of distress, and are saved thereby from perhaps loss of life, or of mind, or of virtue. Then we came home to a concert for which the drawing-rooms were lent. After which the house stood on its head getting tidy. Then a pompous little dinner, for the entertainment of the Viceroy of Egypt; D. and Dss. of Argyll, Lord Brougham, Lord Sydney, Lord and Ly. De Tabley, Sir John Lawrence, Col. Murray, and Mr. Cobden. Finally, Ld. Dudley's lovely and successful ball; I didn't miss one dance! Partners: Sir C. Russell, Mr. Lyme Something, Ld. Dufferin, Ld. S. Kerr — many Worcestershire folk. Happy to-morrow ! [FN: On which day she went to "Israel in Egypt " at the Crystal Palace.] Letter from Miss W.
23Jun1862, Charles Bowled Out
LONDON, Monday, June 23rd, 1862.
—Went with Meriel, Mrs. T., Albert, Edwd. and John, to see the beginning of the University match at Lord's. The Cambridge went in first, and, alas! we were doomed to see Charles bowled out for a "duck" after a few overs. The first time it has happened to him this year, I believe. However, most of the others played well, and the score reached 171. We left the ground abt 3, the boys staying; and they brought word that wretched Oxford obtained the modest score of 71, so it will probably be a stupid victory in one innings, and Ch. won't have another chance. I read 60 p. of Alison; did some French.
—Went with Meriel, Mrs. T., Albert, Edwd. and John, to see the beginning of the University match at Lord's. The Cambridge went in first, and, alas! we were doomed to see Charles bowled out for a "duck" after a few overs. The first time it has happened to him this year, I believe. However, most of the others played well, and the score reached 171. We left the ground abt 3, the boys staying; and they brought word that wretched Oxford obtained the modest score of 71, so it will probably be a stupid victory in one innings, and Ch. won't have another chance. I read 60 p. of Alison; did some French.
21Jun1862, Fantastic Hair Dressing
LONDON, Saturday, June 21st, 1862.
—We went to a pretty bkfast at Stoke, with a very clever little Mr. Puller (who afterwards went mad [FN: Added later.]). The Duchesse d'Aumale was there ; looked much pinched and aged. Party at Ly. Palmerston's, where was the Viceroy of Egypt, an acute-looking fat man with one eye, and much less of the animal look than the Japanese, etc. Speaks beautiful French. I made gt notes abt the fantastic hair dressing which is come into fashion: odd rolls and curls; and it all seems to have a pyramidal tendency. The French women paint and what they call "enamel" their faces universally, and some powder a little! with gold dust, I believe. Were introduced to Lord Clyde, who, when Atie. P. called our attention to his lovely star of India, insisted on pulling it off, and got quite red and a little furious, tugging at it.
—We went to a pretty bkfast at Stoke, with a very clever little Mr. Puller (who afterwards went mad [FN: Added later.]). The Duchesse d'Aumale was there ; looked much pinched and aged. Party at Ly. Palmerston's, where was the Viceroy of Egypt, an acute-looking fat man with one eye, and much less of the animal look than the Japanese, etc. Speaks beautiful French. I made gt notes abt the fantastic hair dressing which is come into fashion: odd rolls and curls; and it all seems to have a pyramidal tendency. The French women paint and what they call "enamel" their faces universally, and some powder a little! with gold dust, I believe. Were introduced to Lord Clyde, who, when Atie. P. called our attention to his lovely star of India, insisted on pulling it off, and got quite red and a little furious, tugging at it.
20Jun1862, Lord Lansdowne
LONDON, Friday, June 20th, 1862.
—At Mrs. Mildmay's, a bent and withered old man with a star on his brass-buttoned coat, his left arm, crippled with gout, in a sling, sat near me. He dropped his stick, thanked me when I pickt it up, and went on to comment on the singing. All which facts I record because he was Lord Lansdowne [FN: The third Marquess, known as "the Nestor of the Whigs." He died in 1863.].
—At Mrs. Mildmay's, a bent and withered old man with a star on his brass-buttoned coat, his left arm, crippled with gout, in a sling, sat near me. He dropped his stick, thanked me when I pickt it up, and went on to comment on the singing. All which facts I record because he was Lord Lansdowne [FN: The third Marquess, known as "the Nestor of the Whigs." He died in 1863.].
14Jun1862, The Queen's Duty to Her Subjects
LONDON, Saturday, June 14th, 1862.
—Ralph and Seymour Neville turned up soon after bkfast, and we had gt fun, talking over delightful Cambridge. Also At. Coque, the Duke of Argyll, and the Miss Dicksons (such an odd party!) came to luncheon. The Duke said the Queen in a letter to him expressed her intention of never again taking part in court gaieties — a natural feeling for her now to have, but it is most clearly one of her many duties to her subjects (and not a small one) to continue by her example to give the tone to society, and to give an opportunity to many who otherwise would not have it of showing their respect and love. There is no fear but that she will do this, as soon as she feels it to be her duty, as perfectly and meekly as she now does it in other respects.
—Ralph and Seymour Neville turned up soon after bkfast, and we had gt fun, talking over delightful Cambridge. Also At. Coque, the Duke of Argyll, and the Miss Dicksons (such an odd party!) came to luncheon. The Duke said the Queen in a letter to him expressed her intention of never again taking part in court gaieties — a natural feeling for her now to have, but it is most clearly one of her many duties to her subjects (and not a small one) to continue by her example to give the tone to society, and to give an opportunity to many who otherwise would not have it of showing their respect and love. There is no fear but that she will do this, as soon as she feels it to be her duty, as perfectly and meekly as she now does it in other respects.
13Jun1862, Wretched Blondin on the Tight Rope
LONDON, Friday, June 13th, 1862.
—Read fifty pages of Alison; wrote up lost journal; did German and French. We went to a sort of breakfast held by Mr. Baring at the Crystal Palace, which did look lovely compared with the monotonous Exhibition. [FN: That of 1862] Wretched Blondin did his feats on the tight rope (it was not tight at all) at an awful height: we did not know he would. One is certain he will some day be killed; and what a wickedness to tempt Providence to such a degree! A moment's giddiness, an attack of cramp, a breakage of the rope, and nothing could save him. It was mar¬vellous: he hung himself head downwards by one leg! walked backwards briskly; stood on his head, made somersaults, etc.
—Read fifty pages of Alison; wrote up lost journal; did German and French. We went to a sort of breakfast held by Mr. Baring at the Crystal Palace, which did look lovely compared with the monotonous Exhibition. [FN: That of 1862] Wretched Blondin did his feats on the tight rope (it was not tight at all) at an awful height: we did not know he would. One is certain he will some day be killed; and what a wickedness to tempt Providence to such a degree! A moment's giddiness, an attack of cramp, a breakage of the rope, and nothing could save him. It was mar¬vellous: he hung himself head downwards by one leg! walked backwards briskly; stood on his head, made somersaults, etc.
Monday, January 15, 2007
10Jun1862, Three Days Rolled Into One
CAMBRIDGE, Whit Tuesday, June 10th, 1862.
—This feels like 3 days rolled into one. We went off to the Senate House abt 10; the clatter was still more uproarious than yesterday. .. .
After, came luncheon in the fine new hall of Caius: I sat next Lord Hartington. Then trundling about the Horticultural Show in Trinity Hall gardens. Then Papa and I squeezed time for service at King's, whence we walked, and I went upstairs, smoothed my hair, and looked for gloves, and came downstairs — the whole thing in 12 minutes! Then an amusing dinner in Magdalene Hall, Ralph Neville making a facetious speech in giving "the Ladies," the Master proposing healths well and shortly. After which we all dressed, and now I am writing by clear morning daylight — 4 a.m. — to a chorus of wakening birds.
Oh, one of the most delightful balls I have ever had! I must say that, after London experience, it was charming to be engaged to every dance in no time; and I suppose it isn't human nature not to be pleased. Partners, Messrs. Meller (twice), Hofman, Howard (a friend of Albert's), Roberts (a substitute for Lord Hartington, who engaged me, but fell through), Ld. John Hervey, Gaskell (friend of Charles'), and, for Sir Roger, the Master of Magdalene himself!
—This feels like 3 days rolled into one. We went off to the Senate House abt 10; the clatter was still more uproarious than yesterday. .. .
After, came luncheon in the fine new hall of Caius: I sat next Lord Hartington. Then trundling about the Horticultural Show in Trinity Hall gardens. Then Papa and I squeezed time for service at King's, whence we walked, and I went upstairs, smoothed my hair, and looked for gloves, and came downstairs — the whole thing in 12 minutes! Then an amusing dinner in Magdalene Hall, Ralph Neville making a facetious speech in giving "the Ladies," the Master proposing healths well and shortly. After which we all dressed, and now I am writing by clear morning daylight — 4 a.m. — to a chorus of wakening birds.
Oh, one of the most delightful balls I have ever had! I must say that, after London experience, it was charming to be engaged to every dance in no time; and I suppose it isn't human nature not to be pleased. Partners, Messrs. Meller (twice), Hofman, Howard (a friend of Albert's), Roberts (a substitute for Lord Hartington, who engaged me, but fell through), Ld. John Hervey, Gaskell (friend of Charles'), and, for Sir Roger, the Master of Magdalene himself!
09Jun1862, Red Letter Day at Cambridge
CAMBRIDGE, Whit Monday, June 9, 1862.
—Some thunder showers, with hail. A pleasant day, with plenty of excitement. Papa and I went to service at King's at 10, after which we had delightful music here, in the shape of Mr. Hudson's marvellous fiddling and Mr. Wade's very beautiful singing. Luncheon and then! —to the Senate House to see the degrees conferred. We sat a good while first, hearing the intermittent storm (good gracious me, what paper, pen and ink!) of cheers, groans, hisses, cat-calls, etc. One pig-headed individual, who wd keep his cap on, excited a tremendous roar for abt 1/4 of an hr, till a dignitary walked down and got him to take it off. Uncle W. got mingled cheers and hisses, Ld. Derby more cheers than Ld. Palmerston, the proctors unlimited groans, and at one time a chorus of barks.
The Chancellor, [FN: The Duke of Devonshire, her future father-in-law] when he took his seat, looked very stately, and did his part with gt dignity. He was well cheered, but not vociferously. Of the Doctors, all were more or less well received, except wretched Ld. Belper, who got no applause. But when the list was read out, the 1st name that was cheered was Papa's! Ld. Brougham's of course the most, and fine and venerable he looked. He is 83. When his degree was conferred the roar of cheers was immense. But Papa got enough to make me nearly burst with pride and excitement. Oh, it was splendid! The Ralphs turned up. At 9 o'clock came off a delightful concert, Titiens singing gloriously. And so ended a proud, satisfactory, red-letter day.
—Some thunder showers, with hail. A pleasant day, with plenty of excitement. Papa and I went to service at King's at 10, after which we had delightful music here, in the shape of Mr. Hudson's marvellous fiddling and Mr. Wade's very beautiful singing. Luncheon and then! —to the Senate House to see the degrees conferred. We sat a good while first, hearing the intermittent storm (good gracious me, what paper, pen and ink!) of cheers, groans, hisses, cat-calls, etc. One pig-headed individual, who wd keep his cap on, excited a tremendous roar for abt 1/4 of an hr, till a dignitary walked down and got him to take it off. Uncle W. got mingled cheers and hisses, Ld. Derby more cheers than Ld. Palmerston, the proctors unlimited groans, and at one time a chorus of barks.
The Chancellor, [FN: The Duke of Devonshire, her future father-in-law] when he took his seat, looked very stately, and did his part with gt dignity. He was well cheered, but not vociferously. Of the Doctors, all were more or less well received, except wretched Ld. Belper, who got no applause. But when the list was read out, the 1st name that was cheered was Papa's! Ld. Brougham's of course the most, and fine and venerable he looked. He is 83. When his degree was conferred the roar of cheers was immense. But Papa got enough to make me nearly burst with pride and excitement. Oh, it was splendid! The Ralphs turned up. At 9 o'clock came off a delightful concert, Titiens singing gloriously. And so ended a proud, satisfactory, red-letter day.
08Jun1862, To Trinity With Papa
CAMBRIDGE, Whitsunday, June 8th, 1862.
—Dined at 5, then went with Papa to Trinity, where the multitude of white robes delighted me as I well remember they did before. Alas! the behaviour of the wearers was anything but in keeping with their angelic appearance! Walked abt. the Backs afterwds with Charles, meeting the Argylls, etc. Conversational eveng; Messrs. Wade (with a lovely tenor voice), Hudson (an unparalleled fiddler), Hofman, pleasant undergraduates, have been running tame most of the day. Also the splendid rifle shot, Mr. Ross, came in: a magnificent-looking man. I shall go mad if all this book means to be greasy. [FN: As this page appears]
—Dined at 5, then went with Papa to Trinity, where the multitude of white robes delighted me as I well remember they did before. Alas! the behaviour of the wearers was anything but in keeping with their angelic appearance! Walked abt. the Backs afterwds with Charles, meeting the Argylls, etc. Conversational eveng; Messrs. Wade (with a lovely tenor voice), Hudson (an unparalleled fiddler), Hofman, pleasant undergraduates, have been running tame most of the day. Also the splendid rifle shot, Mr. Ross, came in: a magnificent-looking man. I shall go mad if all this book means to be greasy. [FN: As this page appears]
07Jun1862, Volume 7 of the Diary Begins
Begun June 7th, 1862, at Cambridge.
Ended August 23rd, 1863, at Hagley.
Begun aged 20 years and 9 months.
Ended aged 22 years, all but a fortnight.
CAMBRIDGE, Saturday, June 7th, 1862.
—All my volumes of journal (except the lost Vol. 1) have had marked events in them, and though, by God's great mercy, the happy events are many more than the sad, yet I have seen enough of sorrow to make every fresh beginning of things rather awful to me; while the peace and enjoyment that remain to me in such full and most undeserved measure make me dread the inevitable "changes and chances of this mortal life." I might be fifty, for the fear I have of change! But this is bad and faithless of me, for loving-kindness and mercy have followed me all the days of my life; and to that I will trust with a quiet mind.
I went to G. St. for breakfast, whence I set off for Cambridge with Papa at 10 1/4. The drive thro' the City to Shoreditch was very interesting to me, and I took in S. Paul's for the 1st time. In Bishopsgate we passed the smoking ruins of a house, with firemen still busy about it. A Mr. Trevylian [FN: It was the young George Otto Trevelyan. He took Lord Lyttelton for "a church dignitary of eminence, on account of the great power and goodness of his face."] (how I have murdered his name!) was in the train with us: he has written first-rate comic verses. Came to Magdalene Lodge; finding it empty, we ate some (congealed) luncheon, and then set off, 1st, to Charles' rooms, where he was not, then all about the lovely "Backs." Visited the Provost of King's, and went to service at King's Chapel, where the organ was glorious, and there was one of the best trebles I have ever heard. We dined with the Latimers at Trinity, meeting Sir E. and Ly. Head, D. and Dss. of Argyll, Ly. L. Cavendish, Ld. Bristol, and Ld. J. Hervey, etc. Singing in the evening. Home by 11 1/2: unlike London! Papa is always a lion, which is charming. Letters; to Elly.
Ended August 23rd, 1863, at Hagley.
Begun aged 20 years and 9 months.
Ended aged 22 years, all but a fortnight.
CAMBRIDGE, Saturday, June 7th, 1862.
—All my volumes of journal (except the lost Vol. 1) have had marked events in them, and though, by God's great mercy, the happy events are many more than the sad, yet I have seen enough of sorrow to make every fresh beginning of things rather awful to me; while the peace and enjoyment that remain to me in such full and most undeserved measure make me dread the inevitable "changes and chances of this mortal life." I might be fifty, for the fear I have of change! But this is bad and faithless of me, for loving-kindness and mercy have followed me all the days of my life; and to that I will trust with a quiet mind.
I went to G. St. for breakfast, whence I set off for Cambridge with Papa at 10 1/4. The drive thro' the City to Shoreditch was very interesting to me, and I took in S. Paul's for the 1st time. In Bishopsgate we passed the smoking ruins of a house, with firemen still busy about it. A Mr. Trevylian [FN: It was the young George Otto Trevelyan. He took Lord Lyttelton for "a church dignitary of eminence, on account of the great power and goodness of his face."] (how I have murdered his name!) was in the train with us: he has written first-rate comic verses. Came to Magdalene Lodge; finding it empty, we ate some (congealed) luncheon, and then set off, 1st, to Charles' rooms, where he was not, then all about the lovely "Backs." Visited the Provost of King's, and went to service at King's Chapel, where the organ was glorious, and there was one of the best trebles I have ever heard. We dined with the Latimers at Trinity, meeting Sir E. and Ly. Head, D. and Dss. of Argyll, Ly. L. Cavendish, Ld. Bristol, and Ld. J. Hervey, etc. Singing in the evening. Home by 11 1/2: unlike London! Papa is always a lion, which is charming. Letters; to Elly.
04Jun1862, Kensington Museum
LONDON, Wednesday, June 4th, 1862.
—I went with Uncle and Aunt to the S. Kensington Museum and saw glorious things, that made one proud of one's country. Two great collections of Sevres, together worth £200,000! One single moderate-sized bowl worth £2,000. We saw there the Dow. Duchess of Sutherland, with her youngest son Lord Ronald [FN: Lord Ronald Gower, afterwards a well-known social figure and dilettante of art and letters], a handsome, fair, pleasant-mannered boy of 15.
—I went with Uncle and Aunt to the S. Kensington Museum and saw glorious things, that made one proud of one's country. Two great collections of Sevres, together worth £200,000! One single moderate-sized bowl worth £2,000. We saw there the Dow. Duchess of Sutherland, with her youngest son Lord Ronald [FN: Lord Ronald Gower, afterwards a well-known social figure and dilettante of art and letters], a handsome, fair, pleasant-mannered boy of 15.
30May1862, House of Lords
LONDON, Friday, May 30th, 1862.
—Went to the H. of Lords with Atie. P. at 5: heard Ld. Carnarvon in a brilliant sort of speech "pitch into" Uncle W.'s financial policy, and the D. of Newcastle make a dull reply, poor man. I saw him shade his eyes from the light even of the stained windows. I believe he is going blind. Thought the Lords on the whole looked uninteresting old fogies: hardly any quite young man, except the D. of St. Albans and Lord Dufferin — the latter isn't quite young.
—Went to the H. of Lords with Atie. P. at 5: heard Ld. Carnarvon in a brilliant sort of speech "pitch into" Uncle W.'s financial policy, and the D. of Newcastle make a dull reply, poor man. I saw him shade his eyes from the light even of the stained windows. I believe he is going blind. Thought the Lords on the whole looked uninteresting old fogies: hardly any quite young man, except the D. of St. Albans and Lord Dufferin — the latter isn't quite young.
Sunday, January 07, 2007
27May1862, John Talbot is Beaten for Kidderminster
LONDON, Tuesday, May 27th, 1862.
—Alas, alas, after a long day of suspense, we heard of John's [FN: Talbot had stood for Kidderminster] being beaten by 8; which 8 are said to have cost the Liberal side £2,000! Who was to stand against such gross bribery? I spent the day in G. St., going for bkfast, and felt something like the excitement of the day the baby was born. John has made a famous fight, spoken admirably, and covered himself with laurels ; he will get in when next time there is a chance. This day has comfortably settled my hazy politics. The old dear was wise enough not to be sanguine, but of course it was a horrid blow. The numbers were : White, 228 ; Talbot, 220. Gay ball at Ly. Caroline Kerrison's, where, in spite of a new gown, I danced Once ; with Mr. Lefevre.
—Alas, alas, after a long day of suspense, we heard of John's [FN: Talbot had stood for Kidderminster] being beaten by 8; which 8 are said to have cost the Liberal side £2,000! Who was to stand against such gross bribery? I spent the day in G. St., going for bkfast, and felt something like the excitement of the day the baby was born. John has made a famous fight, spoken admirably, and covered himself with laurels ; he will get in when next time there is a chance. This day has comfortably settled my hazy politics. The old dear was wise enough not to be sanguine, but of course it was a horrid blow. The numbers were : White, 228 ; Talbot, 220. Gay ball at Ly. Caroline Kerrison's, where, in spite of a new gown, I danced Once ; with Mr. Lefevre.
25May1862, In a Hansom
LONDON, 5th Sunday after Easter, May 25th, 1862.
— Aftn. M. (sister Meriel) and I got into a hansom to go to All Saints' ; the man was pleased to go all down Piccadilly and round by Park Lane into Oxford St. When we landed at last, who shd we get out in the very eye of but Lord Cowper, who was probably shocked at the sight. [FN: Long after this it was not considered quite "proper" for young ladies to go in hansoms.] Such a crowd that I had to do without a chair.
— Aftn. M. (sister Meriel) and I got into a hansom to go to All Saints' ; the man was pleased to go all down Piccadilly and round by Park Lane into Oxford St. When we landed at last, who shd we get out in the very eye of but Lord Cowper, who was probably shocked at the sight. [FN: Long after this it was not considered quite "proper" for young ladies to go in hansoms.] Such a crowd that I had to do without a chair.
17May1862, Amusing Squash
LONDON, Saturday, May 17th, 1862.
—Amusing squash at Lady Palmerston's, saw Ld. Shaftesbury [FN: The philanthropist] sporting his new Garter, Ld. and Ly. Carnarvon. Oh dear ! why do I begin going thro' the names ?
—Amusing squash at Lady Palmerston's, saw Ld. Shaftesbury [FN: The philanthropist] sporting his new Garter, Ld. and Ly. Carnarvon. Oh dear ! why do I begin going thro' the names ?
18May1862, Dressums, Ballums, Fidgetums, Seasonums
LONDON, 4th Sunday aft. Easter, May 18th, 1862.
— Sultry. 0 how nice Sunday is ! I really do get rid almost entirely of dressums, ballums, fidgetums and seasonums generally. In the morning I went with Miss Syfret to S. Peter's Church, Windmill St., the laying the 1st stone of which by Ld. Derby I remember so well in '60 : it was the day Papa began to get better. Fine solid lofty church, well attended, hearty singing and clever sermon, ending beautifully, on Right and False ideas of Christ : only went too much, I think, into ancient and modern heresies, which bewilder and distress one to little purpose. All Saints' in aft. Aggy and I walked alone with Herbert [FN: The youthful Herbert Gladstone, then eight years old, was evidently not considered a sufficient guardian!] and a footman ! The beautiful hymn "Abide with me" sung. St. St. [FN: Stratton Street, where her grandmother lived] only, alack ! no Papa, who is commissioning. Dear Sunday refreshment ! I hope it will "abide with me" through the week.
— Sultry. 0 how nice Sunday is ! I really do get rid almost entirely of dressums, ballums, fidgetums and seasonums generally. In the morning I went with Miss Syfret to S. Peter's Church, Windmill St., the laying the 1st stone of which by Ld. Derby I remember so well in '60 : it was the day Papa began to get better. Fine solid lofty church, well attended, hearty singing and clever sermon, ending beautifully, on Right and False ideas of Christ : only went too much, I think, into ancient and modern heresies, which bewilder and distress one to little purpose. All Saints' in aft. Aggy and I walked alone with Herbert [FN: The youthful Herbert Gladstone, then eight years old, was evidently not considered a sufficient guardian!] and a footman ! The beautiful hymn "Abide with me" sung. St. St. [FN: Stratton Street, where her grandmother lived] only, alack ! no Papa, who is commissioning. Dear Sunday refreshment ! I hope it will "abide with me" through the week.
14May1862, One Was Amused
LONDON, Wednesday, May 14th, 1862.
—N.E. wind. Got up abt 10 ; had a pleasant ride with Agnes and Uncle Henry at 12 1/2, when Rotten Row is at its fullest : we shot many acquaintance. Dull concert at Ly. Harrington's, I mean the music was dull : one was amused somehow, and Meriel and Mrs. Talbot were there, tho' not within speaking distance. Col. Feilding (the hare) shook hands with me: his brother, the other Col., has just married Ly. L. Thynne. Party at the Dss. of Northumberland ; the Japanese ambassadors, dreadful monsters, came.
—N.E. wind. Got up abt 10 ; had a pleasant ride with Agnes and Uncle Henry at 12 1/2, when Rotten Row is at its fullest : we shot many acquaintance. Dull concert at Ly. Harrington's, I mean the music was dull : one was amused somehow, and Meriel and Mrs. Talbot were there, tho' not within speaking distance. Col. Feilding (the hare) shook hands with me: his brother, the other Col., has just married Ly. L. Thynne. Party at the Dss. of Northumberland ; the Japanese ambassadors, dreadful monsters, came.
Saturday, December 23, 2006
10May1862, Gread London Exhibition
LONDON, Saturday, May 10th, 1862.
—Aftn. went to the Exhibition, treated by Atie. P. with her young couple : so nice. It's too monstrous outside, but striking inside, tho' far indeed from coming up to the glassy, bowery impression left on my mind of the '51 one, which was lovely. We did the nave, the French court, the British court of pictures, the Italian court, etc., of course not at all thoroughly, but pleasantly. The pictures especially delightful ; also mem. busts of Tennyson and Cavour, Gibson's Venus, etc. We stayed more than an hour and a half. They went to the Opera, I not, as it has a ballet attached, in which case Papa doesn't like me to go, even when one doesn't stay.
—Aftn. went to the Exhibition, treated by Atie. P. with her young couple : so nice. It's too monstrous outside, but striking inside, tho' far indeed from coming up to the glassy, bowery impression left on my mind of the '51 one, which was lovely. We did the nave, the French court, the British court of pictures, the Italian court, etc., of course not at all thoroughly, but pleasantly. The pictures especially delightful ; also mem. busts of Tennyson and Cavour, Gibson's Venus, etc. We stayed more than an hour and a half. They went to the Opera, I not, as it has a ballet attached, in which case Papa doesn't like me to go, even when one doesn't stay.
08May1862, Lack of Young Men
TEDDESLEY, Thursday, May 8th, 1862.
—Ly. Hatherton has been particularly kind to me, and everybody so much more agreeable than young men generally, for the lack of whom host and hostess have been anxiously apologising to me.
—Ly. Hatherton has been particularly kind to me, and everybody so much more agreeable than young men generally, for the lack of whom host and hostess have been anxiously apologising to me.
04May1862, Choir in Surplices
HAGLEY, 2nd Sunday aft. Easter, May 4th, 1862.
—The Choir appeared IN SURPLICES!!!!!! coming in procession, the smallest boys first, from the organ-room. 0 wonderfully pretty it looked ! and so suitable and natural to see our beautiful Chancel full of white robes. The 12 little boys behaved with the greatest gravity and discretion, tho' it must have been very shy, the 1st time.
—The Choir appeared IN SURPLICES!!!!!! coming in procession, the smallest boys first, from the organ-room. 0 wonderfully pretty it looked ! and so suitable and natural to see our beautiful Chancel full of white robes. The 12 little boys behaved with the greatest gravity and discretion, tho' it must have been very shy, the 1st time.
03May1862, Surplices Arrive
HAGLEY, Saturday, May 3rd, 1862.
—Arrived the Surplices ! we went and gloated over them and the delightful cupboard wherein they are to hang.
—Arrived the Surplices ! we went and gloated over them and the delightful cupboard wherein they are to hang.
22Apr1862, Surpliced Future
HAGLEY, Easter Tuesday, April 22nd, 1862.
— We went wild with excitement over the surpliced future.
— We went wild with excitement over the surpliced future.
21Apr1862, Choir Surplices
HAGLEY, Easter Monday, April 21st, 1862.
—The Vestry CONSENTED UNANIMOUSLY AND JOYFULLY TO THE CHOIR SURPLICES ! ! ! Which is amazing. A volunteer sham battle went off with éclat : Papa in full red figg on the hunter.
—The Vestry CONSENTED UNANIMOUSLY AND JOYFULLY TO THE CHOIR SURPLICES ! ! ! Which is amazing. A volunteer sham battle went off with éclat : Papa in full red figg on the hunter.
19Apr1862, Easter Eve
HAGLEY, Easter Eve, April 19th, 1862.
—And so ends this quiet Lent, and again it has been granted me not to miss one service since it began. Whenever I lose my strength and health, I shall have at all events happy recollections of all that it has brought me of blessing. Oh dear ! what an Angel I ought to be !
—And so ends this quiet Lent, and again it has been granted me not to miss one service since it began. Whenever I lose my strength and health, I shall have at all events happy recollections of all that it has brought me of blessing. Oh dear ! what an Angel I ought to be !
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)