08Aug1865, No Longer Terrified of the Duke

HOLKER, August 8th, 1865.
—Arrived after sunset, a lovely evening, about 8½. I little thought last August 8th of arriving here that day year with Eddy married and Lou engaged ! Certainly it is better than if I was only just launched ; I think the Duke is a little fond of me now, and at all events I have ceased to be terrified at him! I am sure it is a break to him when F. and I turn up.

03Aug1865, Eddy and Emma are Married

LONDON, August 3rd, 1865.
—Which he did. Dear Eddy and Emma's wedding-day ; reminding me much of mine, especially as I wore for the 1st time since, the lovely gown and cloak I went away in ! It was at St. Michael's, Chester Square. A little faint sunshine struggled out just at the right time ; but most of the day was dark and pouring. Emma looked nicer than I have ever seen her. There was very little crying, and all went well but the weather ; I feel for them arriving at Chiswick (whither they drove, as we did) without being able to plunge into the glorious summer brightness and peace which greeted us. Oh, how I hope and pray for them that they may be as happy as we are !

02Aug1865, Happy Expectation

LONDON, August 2nd, 1865.
—Went to bed pretty tired, with the happy expectation of seeing my Fred turn up about 4 a.m.

28Jul1865, Idle But Moving Thoughts

HAGLEY, July 28th, 1865.
—This glorious summer has seldom failed to bring us bright days whenever we most wanted them : the morning was perfect, and the view was. After church, soon after 12, we all went up the dear obelisk hill ; and in the afternoon, Clent Hill. The view rather hazed over after 3, but it was very nice. A good deal cooler. I am very happy in the thought of Lou associating Hagley with all her own deep happiness now ; and have a feeling the old place, which has seen such a long sunny day of married blessedness in the past, must shed brightness over them. For the same reason I love to think of our own beautiful Whitsuntide here. The spire — 0 to think I haven't mentioned it !—is finished up to the golden cock at top, and one longs to tear down the scaffolding, which remains up for some last touches. From all sorts of points of view, it comes in beautifully (the spire, not the scaffolding !), and what a thing it is to see the dear church complete ! Very idle but moving thoughts cross one from time to time, of how it would please and interest darling Mamma to come down to us again for a little while, just to see the changes ; which, thank God, have been mostly such happy ones. How she would have loved Meriel's little children ! and the sight of her own boys growing up into such comforts to Papa — his great joy and pride. But such thoughts must not dwell with one, remembering how her own deep earthly affections, though not weakened or changed, were absorbed in the hope of what we now trust is her Everlasting Joy : the Presence of our Lord.

27Jul1865, Back Home to Hagley

HAGLEY, July 27th, 1865.
—The Duke, Lou, and Frank arrived by the same train as we did. Oh, how entirely mad and inside-out I felt ! half receiving them at Hagley, and half being a guest like them : so much a bit of Hagley still, that I am always saying "we" do this and that here, and yet in another point of view more belonging to them than to it.

23Jul1865, Sir Lacaita Reads "Cinque Maggio"

CHATSWORTH, July 23rd, 1865.
—I made Sir James [FN: Sir James Lacaita who was Librarian at Chatsworth. The "Cinque Maggio" is, of course, the famous poem of Manzoni on the death of Napoleon.] read us the "Cinque Maggio," which he did very finely ; but it was difficult to follow.

22Jul1865, Constance Kent Pled Guilty

CHATSWORTH, July 22nd, 1865.
—Drove one of a new pair of ponies, to be dubbed Sussex and Success in honour of Eddy ; Miss Success went very well. We drove over a poor little swallow (of all wonderful things to do !) which was lying, hurt I suppose, in the middle of the road. Constance Kent has pled Guilty, and been condemned to death, but will, I believe, certainly not be hung.

20July1865, No-poperyums

CHATSWORTH, July 20th, 1865.
—The Royal Navy went away, Lou driving him to the station ; a very improper proceeding. Late in the evening came Cavendish, with hopeful accounts of U. Wm.'s S. Lancashire prospects. I walked about the kitchen-garden with the Duke, Fred, and the scientific Mr. Taplin ; and ate a good deal of fruit. The Guardian almost speechless with rage at the Oxford election. There is much fear that ridiculous old Locock (I only quiz him on this occasion : we owe him a great deal) will beat Sir John Simeon in the Isle of Wight ; folk have the No-poperyums to such a degree.

19Jul1865, On Terms of Great Intimacy

CHATSWORTH, July 19th, 1865.
—We three drove to Eyam, tucking a big R.N. Captain into the little dicky of the p. carriage beside Lou ; the said man and I are already on terms of great intimacy and mutual quizzing. I wrote to Granny fishing for an invitation to Hagley for him next week ! My Fred spouted to me a grand speech Uncle W. has made at a Liverpool meeting ; having gone to stand for S. Lancashire. He is late in the field ; but the enthusiasm was glorious.

18Jul1865, Uncle William Not Returned

CHATSWORTH, July 18th, 1865.
—This naval person has brought rain and clouds in his train ; nevertheless he and Lou managed to find the weather fine enough for divers tête-à-têtes in the garden. We thought the less of them to-day from the election news being exciting. Eddy has won by nearly 200, therefore the 3 brethren are now all county M.P.s, and will all 3 distinguish themselves I trust. I build Castles in the air of Uncle W. Prime Minister, with Cavendish Secretary of War, Freddy Chancellor of the Exchequer, and Eddy Home Secretary [FN: This bold prophecy was nearly fulfilled. Gladstone became Prime Minister in 1868, Hartington Secretary of War in 1866, and Gladstone more than once said that if Frederick Cavendish had been alive in 1886 he would have offered him the Exchequer. And Hartington was offered the Prime Ministership in 1887.]; or, further on still, Cavendish Prime Minister. But to descend to earth meanwhile, the unworthy University has driven out Uncle William by 186 votes, after his 18 years' representation of it ; revealing that it is not worthy of the greatest statesman in England. Oh, it is disgraceful and pitiable ! Gathorne Hardy, a good, respectable, slow-coach Conservative, comes in with Sir W. Heathcote, who heads the poll by a great deal.

17Jul1865, This Horrible Interloper

CHATSWORTH, July 17th, 1865.
—Grey and ugly all day, which was unpoetical, as the romance came to an upshot, Captain Egerton turning up this afternoon and spending an incomprehensibly long time with Lou in the stately garden. Oh, dear me ! I could fancy the statues looking out of spirits at the sight of this horrible interloper ! but it is all right and good and happy. May and I watched the fly drive up, and the Captain puzzled us by marching to the Porter's lodge, collecting his thoughts maybe, or perhaps in search of the Duke. With whom by and bye he appeared in front of the perron. Duke, May, and I disappeared, and left the two with nobody but Fiz en tiers, at the Granville Corner. And so it is all settled, and I have had a cry, and mean to be—am—very happy at it. We talked electionums between acts, as F. and I used to talk Garibaldiums ! Sat very tight all the evening for news of Eddy and Sussex, but none came. And now in about 2 hours I am hoping and longing to see Fred, who didn't think Capt. Egerton could have turned up to-day, and to whom I trust I shall have the telling of the news.

16Jul1865, The Duke Invites the Captain

CHATSWORTH, July 16th, 1865.
—I came down first to breakfast, and, the Duke arriving next, I had the courage to speak of the great news, and to say something of what the loss to him must be. Indeed that is a thought I can't bear to face ; but one trusts it will be smoothed down to us all somehow ! and he is happy in her happiness, as who could help being ? The Duke wrote to the Captain recommending him to come here ; so we may expect a very interesting week. One can't manage aft. church, it being at the cruel hour of 2½, and the walk a 2 hour's one. Psalms and Lessons with my Fred. St. Thomas à Kempis.

15Jul1865, Fred is Elected, Lou is Engaged

HEADINGLEY, July 15th, 1865.—An exciting and wonderful day ! First, my Fred's election (unopposed) as one of the members for the new N. division of the W. Riding together with Sir F. Crossley. Fred spoke on the hustings for about ½ an hour, and was cheered immensely, and altogether most delightfully received. All he said was full of energy and conviction, and proved to one (what I knew already) the strength and depth and enthusiasm of his faith in the people, and of his love of truth and liberty. Perhaps he won't turn out eloquent : his style is too stern, and his voice, especially his curious "th" and "r," against him ; he expresses himself sometimes abruptly, and sometimes his ideas come too fast for his words and make him confused ; but at all events he is original, and eager, and to the point ; and by every tone and word shows that he means and feels what he says. Never have I gone through such excitement, or felt so proud ! The climax was dear old Mr. Thompson proposing 3 cheers for me, whereat I was ready to burst ! Old Fred brought pretty strongly before them his Liberalism ! but he has caution and humility and toleration as checks.

But all this is eclipsed by the news that greeted us here. Captain Egerton [FN: The Hon. Francis Egerton, son of the 1st Earl of Ellesmere, ; afterwards an admiral and M.P.] has written to the Duke asking to be allowed to ask Lou to marry him ; and darling Lou is as happy as happy can be.

He cannot be good enough for her ! but I do hope and believe will make her very happy ; and it is nice to find I am really most beautifully unselfish, for in spite of what the loss of her will be to me, I know too well the blessedness of the joy not to rejoice for her with all my heart. And I am too pompé to say anything more.

14Jul1865, Polling for Oxford

HEADINGLEY, July 14th, 1865.
—The Oxford polling has begun ; Uncle W. a little below Hardy, but only a few hundred votes are yet polled. It is frightfully close. My poor Fred had the speechums a little.

13Jul1865, Up to the Ears in Electionums

HEADINGLEY, July 13th, 1865.
—A contrast ! Here we are up to the ears in electionums. Arrived in Leeds which we found inundated by triumphant Blues, the Conservative candidate Beecroft having come in at the head of the poll ; Baines (proposer of a £6 franchise) next, and poor Lord Amberley being beaten rather hollow. Said Lord A. and his wife are staying here ; and take their defeat with admirable good temper and philosophy. We did not leave Bolton till 3. Walked before luncheon in pretty Wood, and back by the Terrace. Alas ! alas ! poor old John is beaten hollow at Malmesbury. Willy has come in for Chester, which I am glad of.

12Jul1865, Mill and Hughes Return

BOLTON, July 12th, 1865.
—F. is over the moon at divers Liberals having been returned in London ; especially Mill the philosopher and Hughes the author of "Tom Brown." Mill's return notable from his having refused either to solicit votes or to spend a farthing himself. . . .
After luncheon, up we went to dear Glorious Hazlewood ; the view clearer than I ever remember seeing it, and my familiarity with it all, as is always the case with "things of beauty," making it strike and delight me more than ever. As in old music,

Ever in its melodious store
Finding a spell unheard before.

We had one delightful sit on the heather, which is beginning to blossom, when I lay back looking straight up into the lovely sky, conscious of the breezy, undulating expanse all round, and of my own happiness, so that my heart rather overflowed !

09Jul1865, Very Honeylunar

BOLTON, July 9th, 1865.
—We sat much in the dear little stone court before the house ; also on the terrace ; and walked to the Strid. Very honeylunar ! Read Goulburn, Keble, Thomas à Kempis ; all 3 with my Fred.

07Jul1865, A Good Drawing in Punch

LONDON, July 7th, 1865.
—Cavendish dined, to my great satisfaction ; Auntie P. and Mary came in afterwards. There has been an exceedingly good drawing in Punch of "Mamma Russell and Mamma Gladstone" (the statesmen, in bonnets) teaching their respective babies to walk, alluding to Lord Amberley and Willy standing for Leeds and Chester.

05Jul1865, First Catch Your Hare

LONDON, July 5th, 1865.
—Had the accountums in the morning ; find we have spent £121 (inclusive of a good many small extras) on housekeeping since we set up. This I must cut down ! We dined at D. House, where was a family dinner, with a tail, in honour of Eddy and Emma ; as last year of us, when I remember undergoing much in the way of introductions. Hideous reports are about that the Conservatives are getting up a contest for us, but first catch your hare—they can't find anybody to undertake the inevitable beating ! Oxford, Chester, and Malmesbury are all frightfully doubtful : I had all but rather Fred was beaten than Uncle W. ; he will feel it deeply, and so will she.

04Jul1865, Duke of Newcastle and His Miserable Daughter

LONDON, July 4th, 1865.
—Lou picked me up at 2, and we went (with 40 or 50 other folk) to St. George's Hill [FN: St. George's Hill, near Weybridge, later Lady Louisa's own home, after her marriage.], a lovely heathy place, all fragrant with bracken and honeysuckle and firs, where Ly. Blanche Egerton and her brothers picnicked us. Old Ly. Ellesmere also was there ; and young Ld. Ellesmere ; and a very pretty, noble-looking, open-faced fair boy of 16. I saw much of Tallee, and had a little bit of capping with her. Also saw dear Miss Dennett, now a little old lady, with traces in her worn face of the wretched life she must have had, striving to make peace between the poor Duke of Newcastle in his fatal anger and mismanagement, and his miserable daughter, when her whole self-will was set upon that tragical marriage. Lovely little Lady Dalkeith [FN: Daughter of the 1st Duke of Abercorn and wife of the 6th Duke of Buccleuch. ] and certain pretty unmarried sisters of hers— etc., etc., were there.

02Jul1865, At Church with a Roman Catholic

LONDON, July 2nd, 1865.
—All Saints, where I sat by a poor woman, who said she was a Roman Catholic, and that "you Puseyites are almost the same as Catholics" ; to which I demurred. She joined in much of the Service when I gave her my book, and sung both the beautiful hymns very much out of tune, with great fervour.

01Jul1865, Nevy Returns to Hagley

LONDON, July 1st, 1865.
—I came back at 5½ to say good-bye to Nevy, who went to Hagley. He has been most delightful and companionable, what with his fun, his cleverness, his pleasant, good tone, and his love of music, which has resulted in the mansion echoing with all sorts, parts, and fragments of song and anthem.

30Jun1865, "Israel in Egypt" at the Crystal Palace

LONDON, June 30th, 1865.
—The happy day of my Fred's return. All sorts of vague fears have occurred to me ; but he has come safe back to me, and everything looks different already ! Nevy, Aunt C., and I had the great treat of hearing the "Israel in Egypt" (that is, about 3/4ths of it, being late) at the Crystal Palace. Much squash and crowd and rush and stoppage beset the journey to and fro ; not to speak of rain all day ; but the glorious things we heard made amends. Patti sang, but her voice isn't strong enough : it should have been Titians. Mme Rudersdorf has immense power, but little sweetness ; and Mme Sainton Dolby ought to leave off as her voice is cracked ; but Sims Reeves and Schmidt were grand, and the choruses magnificent. I had to skurry into evening things after we had got home (taking a 3rd class carriage by storm), and dine at Aunt Wenlock's, and so was forced to miss my Fred's arrival ; but found him at home soon after 11.

29Jun1865, Electionums

LONDON, June 29th, 1865.
—I at D. House, where I had an agreeable dinner, sitting between old Panizzi and Lord Houghton whose ungainly manners and voracious appetite contrast curiously with the quick, deep, poetical feeling which comes up in him now and then. Gladstones were there ; really what with N.W. Riding, E. Sussex, Oxford, Chester, and Malmesbury, I may be said indeed to have the electionums.

28Jun1865, Althorp Pays Uncle Spencer's Debts

LONDON, June 28th, 1865.
—Ball at Auntie P.'s. to meet the Prince of Wales. I had to go, which I didn't like without my Fred, but it was amusing. Refused stoutly to dance with Mr. Ashley ! Saw poor Aunt Henrietta there : one doesn't know how she has the heart to go out ; for Uncle Spencer has had one of his turf smashes, and though kind, good Althorp has paid, he is to go abroad for an indefinite time, partly to be out of the way of (English) betting, partly with a chance of finding something to do. We much fear that they have settled to live apart, she remaining in England ; so terribly wrong.

26Jun1865, Two Letters

LONDON, June 26th, 1865.
—Two letters from my Fred gladdened my eyes, and brightened up the day. He wrote the 1st before 7½ on Saturday morning, hoping it might reach me that evening ; 0 so dear of him.

24Jun1865, Be Civil to the Constituents

LONDON, June 24th, 1865.
—If only the time would go quicker [FN: Her husband was out with his Yeomanry.] ! but here is the 1st day only just over. In some ways it was better than I expected, from having plenty of things to do and people to see—much better than in the country. I went to St. James', thence to D. House and then home again, where I found Mr. Thompson who awestruck me much by deputing me to give F. his opinions on F.'s address, which he sent him yesterday to criticize : also certain remarks on other election topics. He especially flattered me by strongly advising that I should go with my Fred into the Division during the autumn that we might be civil to the constituents. I wrote the necessary troll to F. instantly ; and these different proceedings, with a little reading, filled up my morning. Had luncheon at D. House, and told the Duke all about Thompson : didn't find it blowing. Old M. is bereaved like me, John having gone off high gee a prospect of getting in for Malmesbury. She picked me up at 4 in her nice open carriage, and we dropped cards. Mary and Victoria Clive came to tea, M. to dinner, in the middle of which turned up old Nevy, and was most delightful all the evening. His whole tone and turn of mind does seem most sound, high-principled, manly, and modest : just what one would wish and pray for a young officer ; and one can't but rejoice in the hope that he will have influence, and use it for good.

23Jun1865, Granny Reads a Picture Book

LONDON, June 23rd, 1865.
—To St. St., where Great-Granny was entertaining with a picture-book little George and Mary. Dined there, and chaperoned Aunt C. afterwards to Ly. Windsor's.

22Jun1865, Alice Arbuthnot Killed by Lightening

LONDON, June 22nd, 1865.
—We went to one of Uncle William's man breakfasts, where we met the Duke and Duchess of Argyll, the Duke of Brabant, Mr. Goschen (a young M.P. whose abilities are much thought of), M. Van de Weyer, etc., and were reminded of certain last-year breakfasts of the sort, when somehow we did not sit at different tables, as to-day. It was sad and shocking to contrast with our bright associations the terrible news which came before we left the house. Lord Granville, who had been expected, wrote to say that he had that moment heard of the death of his niece Alice Arbuthnot — killed by lightning ; at Interlachen, as they were coming home from their wedding tour. They were devotedly attached, and had been married barely 2 months. I did not know her, but remember her beautiful, gentle face. She was only 23. It is one of those things which make all earthly joys tremble under one ; and when I think of our precious year of happiness I can hardly dare to look into the future, for how little do I deserve the sunshine which in the case of so many is eclipsed at its height. It is overwhelming to think of poor Lord and Lady Rivers, who have already had such sorrow in the death of their 3 sons. The Howards, and Kitty Feilding with her sister Lady Adelaide Murray came to luncheon with us. Lady Ade. was engaged to be married the same day as the Arbuthnots. I went with M. and Mrs. Talbot and Edward to Chiswick, which the Duchess of Sutherland had lent for a P.M.W. fete. I went on the strength of being Supplemental Lady to Limehouse, and saw its 2 mission women, Mrs. Bush and Sarah Darrington : also Miss Lilley the Superintendent ; and heard a good account of the mission. The poor bodies had a beautiful tea, with fruit and flowers ; and were immensely pleased. M. and I went early on her baby's account ; but we heard that they ended by singing, and made Mrs. Talbot thank the Duchess for them. One woman said it was like Paradise. The Duchess gave each a rose to take away. I had a little walk by myself to see certain dear spots in the garden, where we spent "golden hours," also went into the house ; into the drawing-room where we sat together on the sofa in the deep summer stillness that June evening ; and all was dreamlike to me, and fairyland. But to those who knew and loved Alice Arbuthnot the place must be for ever saddened, for the Rivers's used to live there.

21Jun1865, Encountered Great Swells

LONDON, June 21st, 1865.
—We drove about paying some of the monster bills incident to setting up house. We much fear the total of the furnishing, including linen, crockery, and kitchen apparatus, will be quite £3,000. Dined at Lady de Grey's [FN: Wife of Earl de Grey, afterwards the 1st Marquess of Ripon, the statesman.], to meet the D. of Cambridge, and encountered great swells, viz. the Duke and Duchess [FN: Afterwards Duchess of Devonshire.] of Manchester, she looking brilliantly beautiful and attractive as usual ; he certainly a foil ! The Ailesburys (she has grand remains of beauty), the Skelmersdales, Lord Sefton, Sir R. and Lady Emily Peel, Mr. and Ly. Augusta Sturt, Ly. Molesworth, and one of the Ladies Cowper.

20Jun1865, Our First Real Dinner

LONDON, June 20th, 1865.
—I fussed and fidgeted a good deal all day under the anticipation of our First Real Dinner Party ; arranged flowers, mused over the bill of fare, contemplated the table, displayed china, likewise did books which have hitherto proved fearfully high, received visits from Papa, Aunt Coque, and Albert who also dined with us and is very well ; we went to the Academy with F. which struck me less favourably than before. To dinner came M., John, and Edward, the Aglys, Agnes, Albert, and Mr. E. Ashley. All went very well ; but I began with a good fit of nervousness, which, however, I craftily concealed.

19Jun1865, Getting Mourning Clothes

LONDON, June 19th, 1865.
—Drove about getting mourning (4th since my marriage) for a great-uncle-in-law, Lord Charles Fitzroy.

18Jun1865, No Afternoon Sermon

CHISLEHURST, June 18th, 1865.
—Grey and rather chilly all day. But we had a very pleasant, pretty afternoon walk to Lord Sydney's fine park. The church close by Lord Richard's garden (N.B. I am to say Uncle Richard, says he !), pretty and carefully arranged. Singing very good and hearty. An excellent sermon from Mr. Murray on the apparent discrepancies between Scripture and Science. No after. sermon. We read Goulburn, and I some Th. à Kempis which Kitty Feilding has given me.

17Jun1865, Visiting Lord Richard

CHISLEHURST, June 17th, 1865.
—At ½ past 4 we set off for Chislehurst which it interests me to see. Uncle Richard and his dog Maida (descended from Sir W. Scott's) received us very kindly. The pretty garden is full of roses.

16Jun1865, Another Fall from a Horse

LONDON, June 16th, 1865.
—We drove together to get a wedding-present for dear Mr. Hugh Smith. At 6 we picked up Lou, and went off riding together. I was on Revolver, and the ill-behaved old fellow chose to come flop down on his knees at the end of a foolish gambol, rolled on his side, and deposited me on the ground. It is my 3rd tumble, and for the 3rd time I fell harmlessly on my side. I feel no worse result, thank God, than a bruised, aching leg. Lou fortunately was able to join on to the Lascelles, and F. and I rode sedately home at a foot's pace. We had one of our snug and rare tête-à-tête evenings, and sat in the drawing-room, which is too lovely lit up. Dear Lou came at 10 to see how I did, and said the Duke was very near coming !

15Jun1865, Wrong Hour for Service

LONDON, June 15th, 1865.
—Went to All Saints' at the wrong hour for service, but remained there for quite 20 minutes, which was very nice.

14Jun1865, Busy Day in London

LONDON, June 14th, 1865.
—Hot and fine. F. went off to Sussex before 8 a.m. and I had a solitary day. Made the best of it by hanging Lord Richard's beautiful engravings in the drawing-room (which also Lou and I decked out with wedding-presents), and the Smithian water-colours and "The Happy Valley" in the study, to surprise F. on his return. He was a little pleased ! Lou and Adéle d'Henin came to luncheon ; the Gladstone girls, Granny, Julia Robartes, and the Arthur Ellisons called, and all were great audience. I picked my Fred up about ½ past 4 ; but had to dine without him at Lady Rivers', as he had a clashing engagement. Mr. Leveson took me in, and was pleasant. Met the Carmarthens [FN: Afterwards 9th Duke and Duchess of Leeds. The Duchess was a daughter of 4th Lord Rivers : the Pitt ladies were, no doubt, her sisters.] and rather fell in love with her : two very pretty unmarried Pitts ; Hal with whom I had much confidential conversation.

13Jun1865, Fields Cleared of Hay

LONDON, June 13th, 1865.
—Hotter again. We saw field after field cleared of hay on our journey up. Lord Richard came to breakfast, and brought us lovely pinks and roses from Chislehurst. I took some, with my daisies and clover, to the workhouse : old folk charmed. Cut my way through my mountain of notes.

12Jun1865, Flowers for the Workhouse Bodies

LONDON, June 12th, 1865.
—We picked a good load of daisies and clover for my poor old workhouse bodies ; and I bore off besides a lovely nosegay of other flowers.

08Jun1865, Family at Hawarden

HAWARDEN, June 8th, 1865.
—We left dear, beautiful Chatsworth about 10, and travelled here in much dust, dirt, and heat, arriving at the Rectory about 3. It is a year and a half since my last memorable visit here ; when the feeling which is now like my own life to me really began. There is a halo round the recollection, as round so many others ! I believe I haven't slept in this house since 1854, when I was 13 ; and everyone was full of the Crimean War. We find here Uncle Stephen, Auntie P , and Mazy [FN: Mary Gladstone, afterwards Mrs. Drew.] ; and after dinner Willy and Stephy turned up from Chester, where Willy has been hard at work canvassing. He seems thoroughly to have warmed up to the work ; and has made one speech which has gained him much applause for its good sense, manliness, and caution. We trolled electioums beyond ! The new curate and his wife, (Chamberlains), nice people, dined. 0 what a contrast to that 1st peaceful day of our pretty honeymoon ! But my Fred and I had a little honeymoon on the lawn here ; and I spouted to him my Hawarden bits of poetry.

06Jun1865, Eddy Visits the Queen

CHATSWORTH, June 6th, 1865.
—Eddy came, looking very bright and dear : says the Queen and Princess Helena have been very kind and cordial ; but the poor Queen says, as soon as anyone thoroughly suits and pleases her, she marries !

03Jun1865, Chatsworth in June

CHATSWORTH, June 3rd, 1865.
—This place in autumn, beautiful as I thought it in 3 successive Novembers, gave me no notion of what it would be in June. After breakfast I coaxed Fred out with me ; and we walked about the garden in a maze of loveliness ; rhododendrons and azaleas, in wonderful beauty ; the shrubs all crowned with their spring shoots, the young fern in curl, the hyacinths ! "It seemed the heavens upbreaking through the earth" : birds and bees filling the air with sweet sounds ; the distance soft blue, and all the intervening country varied green : such a walk it was ! Drove with Lou and the ponies Friar and Nun to the stand and the Warren. It all was. Fiz delighted to see us. Gipsy and Moy in good health. We had tea with them in the Granville corner. Evening papers brought the good news of the Princess of Wales' 2nd baby [FN: King George V.]; another little Prince ; born soon after 1 a.m. this morning after she had undergone a concert ! It is 6 weeks earlier than was expected ; curious, a 2nd premature baby. Willy has made a good, spirited modest speech at Chester : and is patted on the back by the Spectator. Uncle W. went there to back him.

02Jun1865, We Shut Them Up Together

CHATSWORTH, June 2nd, 1865.
—I sent poor Morgan off to her sister-in-law, and got in the good old Grim One for stop-gap ! .. .
We went to Lady Caroline's and told Eddy and Emmy to come to luncheon with us. . . .
We shut them up together in the empty drawing-room, where I think they were tolerably happy. I saw M. At 6 we joined the D. and Lou and came here : even in the dark, how delicious the country is, with its deep stillness and fragrant smell !

01Jun1865, Transatlantic Cable

LONDON, June 1st, 1865.
—We spent most of the day in an expedition to Sheerness, to see the new Transatlantic telegraph : 1,800 miles of which are coiled up on board the Great Eastern ; there are 500 more miles not yet on board ; but before long she will set out on her mission of paying it out at the rate of 7 miles an hour. It is supposed it will take a fortnight. I have brought home a bit of the electric cord ; it is about the thickness of my middle finger, and consists of 7 copper wires enclosed in 5 layers of gutta-percha. This, in the cable as we saw it ready to be laid down, is surrounded by 10 steel wires, each wire cased in several strands of hemp, so that the whole looks like a hempen cable about the thickness of one's wrist. They are able to discover if the slightest puncture appears in the gutta-percha ! the whole cable being tested over and over again at all possible stages of its progress towards the paying out process. It seems a noble, gigantic work. The enormous ungainly ship took one's breath away by her size. . . .
Poor Morgan has lost an only brother.

31May1865, A Visit to Sir J. Paxton

LONDON, May 31st, 1865.
—We had a delightful drive with Lou in the open carriage to Sydenham, to see Sir J. Paxton [FN: Architect of the Crystal Palace ; originally superintendent of the gardens at Chatsworth.] (who is ill). How we did talk ! and how pleasant it was in the balmy summer beauty. Poor Sir Joseph shocked me terribly with his changed looks. He seemed very weak and low at first, but was brightened up a good deal by our visit. He by no means approved of Eddy's marriage ! His little house under the shadow of his great Palace was lovely with verandah and garden : and married daughters with him. Derby day, so the carriage was well yelled after by swarms of little ragamuffins.

30May1865, Eddy and Emma Engaged

LONDON, May 30th, 1865.
—A great day ! Dear, dear Eddy, after long having it in his heart, proposed to Emma Lascelles, and they are engaged and as happy, I do believe, as we were. It has been sad to see her, poor dear, for a long time past, looking thoroughly out of spirits, but behaving quite beautifully, under the doubt whether it was going to be ; and now ! Oh dear, I have an odd feeling like an echo of my golden spring ! She looked so bright ; and talked incoherently of being in a dream, etc., etc. As for dear Eddy, I kissed and hugged him with my whole heart. He would win anyone with his simple, truthful, humble goodness ; and his nature which is as pure and sunny as Albert's. He squeezed my hands, and said, "Do you think (fink) I shall make a good husband ? and that we shall be as happy as you are ?" Lady Caroline's face did look good to see ! I paid happy May a long visit : Di and Lucy came in, and we all jabbered in a mad way. Of course one is sorry for the 1st cousinship [FN: Lady Caroline Lascelles was a sister of Lady Burlington, Lord Edward's mother.] but nothing has been done to lead up to it ; and what can one say in such a case of real, tried, and genuine affection, and when everyone has behaved rightly ? Truly one may feel God's Providence over them. Meanwhile, what a moment he has chosen ! His leave is up, his election coming on (the whole country is agog over the coming dissolution), Emma's waiting just over and she must have another ! The poor Queen may have reason to complain and to wish the Lords Cavendish would not make a point of marrying her Maids ! I suppose Cavendish will make choice of E.'s successor.

29May1865, A Visit to Stafford House

LONDON, May 29th, 1865.
—Went to Stafford House, which has a corner of its own in my heart. We went to the very place where my Fred spoke to me ; and I recalled it all vividly enough. What should happen this very night but a proposal ! Lord Henry Scott [FN: Afterwards 1st Lord Montagu.] to Cissy Wortley . He has loved her for 10 years, but her ill-health led to the breaking-off of their engagement. Now it is happily on again.

28May1865, Servants go to Church

LONDON, May 28th, 1865.
—St. Martin's, where I had the pleasure of seeing 4 of our servants file into their pew.

27May1865, An Amusing Party with the Palmerston's

LONDON, May 27th, 1865.
—Wound up with Lady Pam's [FN: Lady Palmerston.] ; an amusing party ; Lord P. looked very old and stiff and shaky. Didn't I remember my last party there, when we didn't see Fred for a long while, but at last he turned up and talked to me the rest of the evening !

24May1865, Sunday Jackets but Rather Bored

LONDON, May 24th, 1865.
—Very delightful and lovely with freshened air. Queen's birthday, kept with guns, bells, illuminations, and holyday as of old. George Street in the morning : M. was to be churched to-day. Auntie P. flew across to see us, her clothes tumbling about her ; sat down on the floor, and poured out Willy's electionums, which are exciting her as she can be excited. The girls came to luncheon with us, and with me to Waterloo House for Sunday jackets like old times ! We drove to Richmond, and dined at the Star and Garter with Mr. C. Clifford, meeting Mr. and Mrs. Leo Ellis, Mr. and Lady Augusta Bromley, Mr. and Mrs. Millais (the great pre-Raphaelite), Mr. and Lady E. St. Aubyn, and the Delameres. The evening very lovely and the view ; but I was rather bored.

23May1865, Proportional Representation Just a Dream

LONDON, May 23rd, 1865.
—We dined at home, entertaining the W.E.G.'s, which was a great treat. He was in great force ; and didn't I enjoy hearing him in his swing of brilliant talk, and drawing out my Fred's energetic opinions ! All the political talk nowadays is of extended franchise ; and F. is rather full of an astonishing brand-new plan of Hare's [FN: The original scheme of Proportional Representation.] of allowing a quota of two thousand votes, pollable all over the country which shall qualify a candidate for any seat for which he may stand. Uncle W. thought his plan somewhat of a dream.

22May1865, Charles and Willy Might Stand

LONDON, May 22nd, 1865.
—Dear old Charles dined with us : a proposal has been made to put him up for the county against Messrs. Knight and Lygon, but, though there is much reason to prophesy that he will become Liberal, he is still very Conservative, and also unwilling to come in so soon. His decision pends a little, and depends on what would be asked of him. Papa dined too, so we were a snug quartette. Stately royal concert, to which we went in gorgeous array. There is great prospect of Willy standing as a Liberal for Chester, but it is a pity, for he is exceedingly unwilling, and has shown some signs of being at heart Conservative ! But Time will show.

21May1865, Sunday Shopping

LONDON, May 21st, 1865.
—Workhouse, where I sung "All shall be well," "Nearer to Thee," and "Thy Will be done." One poor dying woman entreated me to send her a few biscuits, the only thing she could fancy eating ; so I did a little Sunday shopping for the 1st time in my life.

20May1865, Dined at Lord Wharncliffe's

LONDON, May 20th, 1865.
—Very warm and lovely. I made a rout-out of groutle and hydra. We walked to Fisher's in the Strand to get a writing-paper box for Fred. Had a flying visit from Aunt Coquitty. [FN: I.e. her aunt, Miss Lyttelton ("Aunt Coque"), and her cousin, Miss Kitty Pole Carew, who were much together.] Papa and F. went in red and gold to the Levée. Afterwards I drove to Mrs. Milbank's and some card deeds : tried to go to All Saints', but was too late ; saw Meriel who was dressed and downstairs, and looking very nice and well ; had tea and bonbons at Adéle's. We dined at Lord Wharncliffe's, meeting the Wenlocks and Carry, Colonel and Lady Louisa Feilding, Captain Egerton, Lord Claud Hamilton (a pleasant, simple-mannered, good-looking little youth), the Burys, Cissy Wortley, etc. Afterwards to Apsley House, which I never was in before, and which struck me very much.

19May1865, Walking Unchaperoned

LONDON, May 19th, 1865.
—I went to St. James' at 11 ; enjoy the privilege of walking unchaperoned in the morning. Visits, visits in the afternoon : I don't see when they will end. Everybody out. Saw Meriel who is on her legs and very well : the baby went his 1st walk to-day, into the Abbey ! which all the four have been to see first thing. The excitement came off of the Duke and Lou dining with us : it was very nice and wonderful.

18May1865, Princess Helena Holds a Drawing-room

LONDON, May 18th, 1865.
—I awoke with a sense of household cares such as I used sometimes to have at dear old Hagley, but they melted a good deal away on my conversing with Ross and the peccant but candid Eliza. The next thing is the Drawing-room whereat Aunt Fanny presented me on my marriage. I went in gorgeous array of white lace (my wdding lace) and white moiré train, with my beautiful diamond tiara on my head, and felt every inch a married woman. Princess Helena held the Drawing-room for the Queen, who has held 5 "Courts" this year, but is a little perverse (I must use the word) in refusing to hold Drawing-rooms, which are much less exertion. Carry Lawley [FN: Daughter of Lord Wenlock.] and Mary Wortley [FN: Afterwards wife of the 2nd Earl of Lovelace. The two girls were cousins of each other and of Lady Frederick] were brought out : Carry is very handsome, towering above her jenny-wren of a mother.

17May1865, Maid Troubles

LONDON, May 17th, 1865.
—Some pleasant weather : laburnum, chestnut, and may-blossom look lovely. I am beginning upon troubles I was experienced enough to foresee when I was preparing myself for a new chapter of household cares : viz., failures. The kitchen-maid turns out sick and incapable ; the upperhousemaid pert, fine, and lazy. Woe is me ! . . .

We went to Lady Waldegrave's and Lady de Grey's ; where we were well squashed, but somewhat amused. I find, old wife as I am, novelty and fun in going out with my husband ! Was very smart in trailing white satin.

16May1865, Potations of Sal-volatile

LONDON, May 16th, 1865.
—My cold still makes a haggard object of me, the more because I have grown thin. I took divers potations of sal-volatile, which is a new remedy. Did my house-books for the first time ! They came to a heavy total, but I trust that is only the start.

12May1865, Constance Kent Confesses

LONDON, May 12th, 1865.
—The Duchess of Argyll was getting signatures to an address of condolence to be sent to Mrs. Lincoln. Lou and I signed it. . . . The papers are pretty full of Constance Kent's confession of the Road murder, which she has made through the influence of Mr. Wagner, of Brighton, while in a sisterhood there ; but entirely by her own free will. The Times accounts for a girl of sixteen stifling, stabbing and cutting the throat of her little half-brother of 4, for no better motive than that of spiting her step-mother, on the ground that all girls between twelve and twenty are hard-hearted ! !

10May1865, Underservants Minus Crinoline

LONDON, May 10th, 1865.
—I am triumphant at starting the underservants minus crinoline during their work ! Did shopping for the drawing-rooms with Lou ; but only decided on two blue-velveted tables at Howards. Afterwards to Stratton St. in Our Brougham, which turned out to-day and is ! F. dined at some Railway Benevolent thing ; I at No. 11, [FN: The Gladstones' house.] where the old well-known manners prevailed : no particular moment for going in to dinner ; Auntie P. in bed and asleep instead of dining, and appearing late bedecked for a ball : the party was Willie, Agnes, Kate Gladstone, and me. Home. That it hardly feels yet !

09May1865, Family Prayers

LONDON, May 9th, 1865.
—Our first family prayers ; all the servants attending. My Fred read a beautiful prayer of his own. We chose the 3rd Col. and the 2 first verses of the 4th to read, and for the other prayers, the confession ; a thanksgiving and a benedictory prayer out of the "Liturgia Domestica," the Lord's Prayer, and 2 others.

08May1865, Our Own New Home

LONDON, May 8th, 1865.
—One of the great days of our life : the day of taking possession of our own new home. We spent a good deal of the day here, unpacking and arranging ; but we only go into our rooms upstairs and the study to-day. I spent some time with M. in the afternoon ; then we dressed here, dined at Dev. House, and returned here at about half past 10. Tea came up in the lovely tea-pots and cups we chose, and was our first meal. Our rooms are too pretty. This is likely to be the last of many wonderful bewildering days that I've had since my marriage : my life has now so settled into quiet every-day brightness, that its strangeness has long worn off. But this building of our own nest is wonderful and notable !

05May1865, The Bishop's Children

LONDON, May 5th, 1865.
—The Bishop of London preached well ; his little children are so brought up in the midst of work for the poor, that one of the tiny girls was heard saying : "When I am six, I shall have a ward to visit !"

04May1865, Reform Bill and Pre-Raphaeliteism

LONDON, May 4th, 1865.
—I read with a good deal of interest a speech of "Bob Lowe's" against Mr. Baines' Reform Bill which is for a £6 franchise. Mr. Lowe made me agree with him, which is sad, as wicked Radical Fred is all for the £6 franchise. But if Uncle William, as is expected, makes a good rattling speech on the other side, I shall probably go comfortably round. I foresee that I shall get desperately political ; but I don't think that must necessarily make me an odious woman ! I shall try and not let it at all events. Went with Lou to the Royal Academy ; where were many pretty children, and cottage interiors ; two excellent pictures of the Bishops of London and Oxford, by Sant and Richmond, and other good things. Pre-Raphaeliteism seems, like homeopathy, to be becoming less a school apart and more infused into schools than it was. Not but what there are still some tinny, papier-mâché, gaudy skies, solid green seas, ugly red-haired, pink-faced women in all colours of the rainbow, and cotton velvet grass ; and also some soft sketchy pictures aiming at the other extreme, which I can't but prefer, even in their extremes.

03May1865, An Old Prosaic Couple

LONDON, May 3rd, 1865.
—F. and I called on Mrs. Milbank, who is to be my Prime Minister in the getting up of the horrid Yorkshire quadrille. Lord Richard came. We went (and I chaperoned Lou ! at which I died) to a concert at Auntie P's. Carry Lawley was there, just out, and very good-looking. F. shrunk off early to his Cosmopolitan club ! Shows me we are getting a humdrum old prosaic couple. Letters : to little boys ; from Mrs. Otley scolding me for becoming Northern. But I know more about it than she does.

01May1865, Commons and Lords Discuss the Murder

LONDON, May 1st, 1865.
—I saw two Jacks-in-the-green, which I thought were nearly obsolete. . . .
Lou and I went to the H. of Commons and heard Sir George Grey move, and Dizzy second, both in very good, suitable speeches, a resolution of sympathy with the United States. Then to the House of Lords, where Lord Russell was inaudible and Lord Derby spoke coldly and grudgingly ; it was rather disgraceful ; and in the House of Commons, it was horrid to hear so little cheering on the Conservative side. Seward is likely to recover. Johnson has made remarkable and powerful but dangerous and vindictive speeches.

26Apr1865, President Lincoln is Murdered

CHESTER, April 26th, 1865.
—Left Lismore soon after 9 ; posted to Fermoy, which was charming ; railwayed to Dublin, where we dined. Were shocked and aghast beyond measure, Fred especially, at the terrible news of the murder of President Lincoln, placarded in the streets. For him one can hardly mourn ; for it is a glorious thing to die at the climax of victory (and this the fall of Richmond brought to him), and with almost his last words those of peace and goodwill. All his conduct showed a noble forgiveness and desire of brotherhood ; and there seems no one capable of carrying out the great work of reuniting the country. Least of all the wretched man who perforce succeeds him : Andrew Johnson, "a mean white," who, on his election to the vice-presidency the other day, made an incoherent drunken speech, and who may very likely think of nothing but blood and vengeance and defiance of Europe. The murder was on Good Friday evening at the Theatre (!), and the murderer leaped on to the stage afterwards, brandishing a knife, and escaped. Almost at the same time Seward, the Secretary of State, was stabbed as he lay ill in bed, and is not expected to live ; and his son badly wounded.

25Apr1865, Making Talk and Receiving Butter

LISMORE, April 25th, 1865.
—Lou, Eddy, Hal, and Claude tried to fish soon after breakfast ; about 12 I went to join her, and falling in with the Duke, walked tête-à-tête with him down the river-side ; whereat I found my shyness at him rather revive ! We then went all three to the Convent, being joined on the road, to our despair ! by Father Fogarty, who would come in with us. It was wonderfully good of the Duke to undergo what of all things he hates most : a long series of making talk, and receiving butter of the most fulsome description ; in which the old priest certainly excels. The poor nuns were rather bores too, but enchanted at our visit. We saw their school. They were urgent for F. and me "to reshide at Lismore" —sanguine ! After luncheon Lou and I bumped in the car to call at Glenatorr. Oh the loveliness of the country ! But more from its outburst of spring greenness than any special beauty of its own. I am sentimental at going. Finished "The Clever Woman" ; a sad failure of a book, and mostly very dull.

24Apr1865, Delighted With the Girls Reading

LISMORE, April 24th.
—Lou and I paid visits, which were immensely appreciated, to a part of the town called Botany, and to the National Schools. Nearly all the female inhabitants of Botany turned out in front of their houses, and fervently blessed Lou as we passed. At the school I was greatly delighted with the girls' reading, which was far better than the best at Hagley ; the brogue rather bewitches me ; and some little ragged dots of six did huge justice to " The Ant and the Grasshopper " in English verse.
We spent some of the afternoon in again sanguinely flogging the river (in vain) for salmon.

22Apr1865, We All Rowed, Even the Duke

LISMORE, April 22nd, 1865.
—Lovely and very warm. Many oak trees are in leaf ; and 0 the sweet smell of laurel blossom and gorse ! To-day we passed a bank so covered with primroses that we smelt them driving by. I have been much derided for comparing them, when one sees them clustered together, to fairy pats of butter ; but I declare it is a very good notion. We had a delightful row down the river, as far as Strancally, going ashore for luncheon on a little clear plot of ground, under overhanging woods near Dromana. We all rowed at one time or another ; the Duke and all ; and I am growing a little complacent over my feathering, albeit divers crabs were the result. Drove home most of the way, distributing remains of provisions to the different little tatterdemalions on the road. Household cares are beginning with us : Ross and some of the servants are in the mansion, but it is frightfully behind hand and won't be ready for us for three weeks, prob¬ably, instead of by next Thursday. But our chief trouble is much more serious, a bad story has come out about the young Gladstone footman we had engaged, and we have had to decide on getting rid of him directly.

21Apr1865, I am Still Happier Now

LISMORE, April 21st, 1865.
—The anniversary of our engagement. My Fred gave me a darling little signet ring to mark it with. I spent a good deal of time thinking over my last 21st of April : F. coming to the clever breakfast, but not sitting by me, and looking a little white and odd : a certain old Dean who was a long while before he would make himself scarce : our finding ourselves alone in the bare little conservatory —then everything happy and wonderful ! Papa coming in with his dear bright smile, and Auntie P and Uncle William ; Lou coming to see me with Fred ; luncheon in St. St. and all the excitement and crying there ; happy, happy bits with Fred afterwards and his giving me my precious locket ; his dining with us, and the day ending as if with sunrise instead of sunset. But I am still happier now, in my settled sunshine !

20Apr1865, Wonderfully Few Casualties

LISMORE, April 20th, 1865.
—After luncheon the rest of us boated to Glencairn, Eddy and Hal rowing up the river, Lou and I down. Wonderfully few casualties occurred, and it was charming. Divers neighbours dined, including old Dr. Fogarty, the R. C. priest, who spat on the carpet.

17Apr1865, American War to be Ended

LISMORE, April 17th, 1865.
—I ought to have mentioned some weeks ago the bad bit of news that Lady Herbert has gone over to the Church of Rome ; announcing it at last after more than a year of sham. Neville knows Lord Pembroke a little, and thinks him clever, and likely to be firm ; but he is hardly 15. Richmond has just been taken by the Federals, and the war is supposed to be ended. It will have done the great deed, and solved the mighty problem—of the abolition of slavery ; so thinks Fred ; and so an infinite good will have come out of indescribable suffering and bloodshed. Lou and I paid a long visit, immensely appreciated, to the Convent, where a band of very merry, brisk Paddy nuns received us with 3 cheers (Glynnese)*.

15Apr1865, Five Shillings a Week

LISMORE, April 15th, 1865.
—Horrid accounts of the poverty of the people : some families live on five shillings a week.

10Apr1865, Travelling to Lismore

HAGLEY, April 10th, 1865.
—It is a great trouble to me having to travel these 2 first days of Holy Week, but we couldn't rightly help it on many accounts. We left dear Hagley at 8, the little fellows (whom I shan't see again until they're schoolboys, alas !) scampering headlong down the avenue clinging on to the carriage. By a blunder of Head's, we had to delay crossing from Holyhead till night, spending the time from 2 till 11½ at Holyhead. Luckily it was the brightest, most unclouded afternoon, and we walked, and sat and talked and read pleasantly enough. Embarked at 12, three and a half hours before the boat started. A mild, still night, bathed in wonderful moonlight ; and the passage was as smooth as a pond. We got berths and slept pretty successfully. April 11th.—Landed before 8, managed to squeeze in breakfast at Dublin, railwayed to Cahir, and thence posted 12 miles. The descent to Lismore seemed to me marvellously beautiful and like a fairy-tale : the hills covered with budding woods, the deep glen, the winding river, the glorious castle standing on its steep hill. Lou and Eddy met us some little way off ; he nearly independent of sticks. Nobody else here but the Duke. The view from the north windows still more lovely and stately. One looks sheer down the precipitous bank into the Black water which is; and the castle is beautiful inside and out. April 12th.—Lou and I fished or rather toddled up the river, throwing lines with no result, encouraged by a dear enthusiastic Paddy and enjoying the delightful day.
F. and I had happy reads of my "Thoughts for Holy Week," etc., and the quiet is very nice, though nothing else would have made me like this for just this week. There was service, but, instead of the Communion Service, a Mr. Brown preached a dreadful sermon.

05Apr1865, Doing a Stakenbridge

HAGLEY, April 5th, 1865.
—Actually did my poor Stakenbridge after luncheon, driving thither without Aunt E. and May. People very nice and dear and cordial at the sight of me. "And how's Mr. Scavendish? I should say, Lord Scavendish," said old Mrs. Poole.

30Mar1865, Odiousness of the Pew System

LONDON, March 30th, 1865.
—We went and did the deed of taking seats for ourselves and servants at St. Martin's ; and were considerably disgusted by the drive-a-good-bargain fashion in which the official did it ; certainly putting before one the odiousness of the pew system in most lively colours.

29Mar1865, Gladstone Supports Dillwyn on Irish Church

LONDON, March 29th, 1865.
—F. read me in the evening a clever speech of Uncle W. supporting a motion of Mr. Dillwyn's that the state of the Irish Church is unsatisfactory. It isn't because I'm becoming a Radical that I think, according to my lights, that it ought to be disestablished. My very faith in the Church makes me sure that its continuance is in no need of being insured by being forced down the exasperated throats of Romanists numbering 7/10ths of the population. The Scotch Church is in a nobler position. Not that I have an inkling what ought to be done with the endowments.

26Mar1865, Selecting a Parish Church

LONDON, March 26th, 1865.
—We went to St. Martin's in the morning ; and as the service was very respectably conducted and the sermon good, we have decided, it being our future parish church, to take sittings in it for ourselves and servants. It seems right to go to one's parish church, unless the objections to it were very grave indeed ; and I think we are right. The singing was very nice, though only by Charity children. I wish I didn't so much depend upon externals, for I feel that the frightful glaring kaleidoscope of an E. window without a single reminder of Christianity in it will be a real trial.

23Mar1865, Joyful Hope Withheld

LONDON, March 23rd, 1865.
—Saw Sibyl Ryder and her husband, and the J.G.T.'s , which was a great break. Sibyl is expecting a baby : I trust she will get well through it, but she used to be very delicate. (It went off.) That wonderful, joyful hope has hitherto been withheld from me : this makes a little cloud in my "great heaven of blue."

21Mar1865, No Ball: Fred Gloveless

LONDON, March 21st, 1865.
—We did the pleasantest job, viz., ordering the prettiest, most comfortable brougham in the world, to be our "very own" : a thing I am baby enough to like immensely, when a carriage is in question. Likewise chose breakfast, tea, and coffee services of a lovely description : and some particularly charming bedroom crockery for my room. An exceedingly smart dinner at Mr. Oswald's ; we met Sidneys, Spencers, Castlerosses, Prince and Princess Edward of Saxe-Weimar, Ly. Ely and daughter, Ld. Claud Hamilton, etc. I sat next to Dr. Quin, who kept me bursting through dinner. We discovered that a ball was to follow but shrunk off, I being in velvet, and F. gloveless ! and I was glad indeed, viewing Lent.

20Mar1865, Bishop Gray and Bishop Colenso

LONDON, March 20th, 1865.
—Fred went to hear the judgment in the case of Bishop Gray's deprivation of Bishop Colenso, which the latter protests against. The judgment pronounces Bishop Gray's sentence null and void, and brings to light the oddest and most bewildering facts : viz. that the colonial Bishops (except in Crown Colonies) are not in legal possession of their sees, the Queen having arbitrarily granted them patents little knowing that it was necessary to get the approval of the Colonial governments ! So both Bishops find themselves in a literally false position, and have no powers or rights whatever, except what belong to them as consecrated men. It is a good thing such anomalies have been brought to light. We dined at home. Read Merivale and Milton.

17Mar1865, Lady Manageress Pounces on Countess Spencer

LONDON, March 17th, 1865.
—I went to London House, with a brigade of Associated Ladies. Charlotte Spencer came for the first time and was immediately pounced upon by the P.M.W. Lady Manageress to be a Supplemental Lady. Miss Twining, who has the workhouseums, shut herself up with Auntie P. and others, and burst forth into schemes for improving pauper sick arrangements. We had a delightful rebound of our Curate-hamper : viz. of the wine and arrowroot.

16Mar1865, Cavendish Up on His Facts

LONDON, March 16th, 1865.
—To the House, where after an hour and a quarter of dreadful dulness I heard Cavendish speak on Army Estimates. He seemed a little nervous, but grew more fluent as he went on, and gave one the notion of his being very well "up" in his facts.

14Mar1865, The Duke Calls Me Lucy

LONDON, March 14th, 1865.
—F. after his railways, with the Duke. (N.B. The Duke called me Lucy yesterday to my face for the first time!)

13Mar1865, North and South Against Us

LONDON, March 13th, 1865.
—Fred had the Furness Railwayums. I missed church, thro' an in-and-out of circumstances, which resulted in my entertaining at 5 o'clock tea the odd combination of Fanny Carew and her boy Reggie, and Althorp! and going afterwards to the H. of C. to hear a debate on the defences of Canada, which seemed to be of the poorest ; and there is a notion that the American War must shortly end (the South being exhausted, and having just lost Charleston and Wilmington) and that then both parties will unite against us. I don't believe it unless we do something abominable.

12Mar1865, To the Sick Ward

LONDON, March 12th, 1865.
—I paid my first workhouse visit with the Gladstones. Went to the sick-ward, and made acquaintance with several poor old goodies. The look of the ward certainly takes away all romantic notions of ministration ; everything most uncomely and meagre, and some of the poor old folk repulsive enough ; but two were wonderful instances of strong love of God and faith in Him making suffering and weariness light burdens.

11Mar1865, North and Sourth Discussion

LONDON, March 11th, 1865.
—F. went to Barker's to sniff after broughams, as we purpose setting up one. . . .
Major Anson and Fred had a furious N. and S. [FN: I.e. North and South : the American War.] discussion ; F. got the best of it !

10Mar1865, St. Anne's Mission and Diamonds on My Head

LONDON, March 10th, 1865.
—I went to London House, where I put down my name for St. Martin's Workhouse, and as supplemental lady to the St. Anne's Mission, Limehouse. Mr. Rousel mentioned a terrible case of a struggling curate, so poor at best that he could not have a fire in his house, or eat meat, for days together ; and now with his large family in the scarlet fever. Meriel Bathurst (who came for the first time), my Meriel, Mrs. Talbot, Agnes, and I agreed to send him a hamper among us ; and M. and I got the things after luncheon ; viz. tea, arrowroot, tapioca, sago, grapes, concentrated beef tea, currant jelly, a dozen of port wine, and a bottle of brandy. The 2 latter items we found it rather blowing to order. . . .

We dined at Ly. Cowper's, and had to go afterwards to a ball at Marlborough House, where the Princess of Wales looked lovely. I saw my dear Princess Helena, but not to speak to, also Princess Louise and many Court friends. I wore all the diamonds on my head for the 1st time. Headdresses are becoming remarkable. The young Lady Wharncliffe had her hair in a frizzled mop ; and many were tending in the same direction.

08Mar1865, More Work with Parochial Mission

LONDON, March 8th, 1865.
—F. deposited me in George St. for luncheon, and thence I drove with Mrs. Talbot and Miss Laura Oldfield to St. Anne's, Limehouse, where we attended one of the "Mothers' Meetings" of the Parochial Mission there ; and I was introduced to Miss Lilby, the Lady Superintendent who is to have me to apply to ; to the Mission woman, Mrs. Bush ; to the clergyman (a missionary), who ended the meeting with reading, explaining, and prayers ; after hearing much about the work which is being done, and talking a little to some of the poor women, of whom there were about 25, we went to the London Hospital to see a girl of 23 who is there recovering from a tremendous operation : and who before going to the Hospital had been working as 2nd mission woman with such marvellous zeal and overflowing love for the work, that she went about amongst the people early and late, in spite of continual violent pain. And now in her weakness her one longing desire is to go back again ; her whole heart yearning after the poor things among whom she went. And all with such simplicity ; evidently she had no idea she was doing anything great.

05Mar1865, At a Play with the Wales's

LONDON, March 3rd, 1865.
—A little "doment" with a French play at Ld. Granville's, who had got the Wales's : the Prince astonishingly fat, the Princess looking lovely, tho' she is to be confined this summer.

27Feb1865, Ladies' Diocesan Association Inaugural Meeting

LONDON, February 27th, 1865.
—This is a day to be remembered. I attended the Bishop of London's inaugural meeting of the "Ladies' Diocesan Association," which he set on foot last year, and in which ladies join to do useful and charitable work of many different kinds in the diocese. I became a member ; the Bishop giving me a little book, as token of admittance. I hope to undertake small things ; one is to be what they call a "supplemental lady" for the Parochial Mission Women Institution (that is, one whom some one Lady Superintendent may refer to for help on special occasions) ; the other, to visit S. Martin's Workhouse once a week. I have an awestruck feeling at joining people who have devoted themselves to good, and can only pray that the great blessedness of work for the poor may be mine, and that I may be helped.

25Feb1865, The Bishop Held a Confirmation

LATIMER, February 25th, 1865.
—Bright clear morning, indescribably pleasant after the London dirty dinge and slop. Most of the womankind went to the "Waterside Church," where the Bishop held a Confirmation of about 80 several of whom were elderly people. Now, though my own Confirmation is a sacred and precious memory to me, almost beyond anything else, and though Spencer's and Lavinia's was full of deep interest, I can't say I ever saw, till to-day, a Confirmation really impressively and strikingly done. But the Bishop of Oxford has always excelled in this respect (having done, I should think, more good at Eton than can be measured by his Confirmations there), and this was most solemn and moving.

24Feb1865, From Euston Square to Hyde Park in 17 Minutes

LATIMER, February 24th, 1865.
—Went headlong in a hansom to Euston Square from Hyde Park Corner in 17 minutes ; and here we are, in a very pretty house, with Gladstones, Emma and B. Lascelles, Miss Campbell (a sister of Mrs. Wyndham), Messrs. Evelyn Ashley, Cowper, Hugh Smith ; and the Bishop of Oxford, who has come to hold Confirmations.

20Feb1865, Furniture Shopping

LONDON, February 20th, 1865.
—Lou, F., and I did a deal of furniture inspection, not deciding yet upon much. Also we showed off the house to the Duke who was much pleased with it. F. and I dined very pleasantly at Ld. Granville's, meeting the Argylls, the Bruces, Messrs. M. Arnold, Leveson, H. Cowper, Ld. Lyons, and Sir D. Dundas.

19Feb1865, Hearing Mr. F.D. Maurice Preach

LONDON, February 19th, 1865.
—We went to hear the famous Mr. Maurice in the morning. He preached most beautifully on Triumphant Hope ; with a manner full of love and fervour. If one had not known of his startling, peculiar opinions, I think one would have seen nothing in his sermon but what any Christian might agree with. But alas ! there is terrible difficulty and dispute all round one now, and one is unconsciously on one's guard and in a state of distrust.

17Feb1865, We Dined at Lord Russell's

LONDON, February 17th, 1865.
—We dined at Lord Russell's ; it amused me immensely to go to dinner with Fred ! It was pleasant. Met Sir Edwin Landseer, Ld. Lyons, Mr. Barrett Browning, [FN: Probably the poet Robert Browning, not his son Barrett who was only a boy at this time.] Cap. Egerton, the Stanleys of Alderley.

03Feb1865, Reading Hume and Lingard

HOLKER, February 3rd, 1865.
—Began to read the same period in Hume that I have in Lingard : that is, I only read the memoir of Hume to-day : it was flesh-creepy to discern the soullessness and irreligion of the man, and his ghastly cheerfulness and indifference up to his dying moment.

30Jan1865, Kingsley's The Water Babies

HOLKER, January 30th, 1865.
—Little boys (Edward and Alfred) (and Compton) plunged into the snow before luncheon ; played at hide-and-seek afterwards. I did some French and Latin with them, to my great enjoyment, reviving old-maid recollections. Also read to them the beginning to Kingsley's mad book "The Water Babies" : the only comprehensible part ; the rest being an entangled jumble of allegory, fairy-tale, and natural history—very dream-like and crazy. I have begun a course of English History, and am reading Lingard's first vol.; Iliad, Carlyle, Butler.

28Jan1865, Advanced to the Stage of Clumsy

HOLKER, January 28th, 1865.
—Ice the order of the day again. I advanced to the stage of clumsy, spasmodic self-propelling, diversified by tumbles, and supported by a stick. F. had to foot-hunt, to my grief. He has a horrid cold. He saw the last 5 minutes of my exploits. Lou and I have begun Ld. Derby's new translation of the Iliad, in blank verse ; it is very nervous, easy, and dignified. Little boys tumbled about with and without skates, and swore friendship with Compton. A young man of three-and-twenty has just died of drink, his grandfather and all his paternal uncles having done the same. It is frightfully common about here.