LONDON, April 18th, 1866.
—We had luncheon at Devinshire House where Ld. Richard had turned up. Who should come to luncheon but Ld. Grosvenor [FN: Afterwards the 1st Duke of Westminster. He was active at this time among the Whigs who were opposing the Government Reform Bill.] ? He told us his boy Belgrave [?] (14 or 15 years old) asked him, "Do Whigs and Tories ever inter-marry?"
Saturday, May 16, 2009
17Apr1866, Charles a Horrid Old Tory Still
LONDON, April 17th, 1866.
—Charles dined with us ; he is immensely interested in the political crisis, and seems to weigh all sides ; but I fear he is a horrid old Tory still : he don't commit himself much.
—Charles dined with us ; he is immensely interested in the political crisis, and seems to weigh all sides ; but I fear he is a horrid old Tory still : he don't commit himself much.
16Apr1866, Terrified Toryism
LONDON, April 16th, 1866.
—Having been poked up by a sneering article in the Spectator upon the "Xtian Year," I wrote a little rejoinder ; but F. and the Mesds. Talbot, tho' they think it rather good, think I had better not send it ! Drove with the ladies shopping. The Government prospects are very doubtful, owing to deserters among the slow-coach Whigs, against whom my Fred indulges in violent language. I went in lonely dignity to Ly. Taunton's ball ; Sir Walter Farquhar poured terrified Toryism into my ear.
—Having been poked up by a sneering article in the Spectator upon the "Xtian Year," I wrote a little rejoinder ; but F. and the Mesds. Talbot, tho' they think it rather good, think I had better not send it ! Drove with the ladies shopping. The Government prospects are very doubtful, owing to deserters among the slow-coach Whigs, against whom my Fred indulges in violent language. I went in lonely dignity to Ly. Taunton's ball ; Sir Walter Farquhar poured terrified Toryism into my ear.
14Apr1866, To the Crystal Palace with Meriel
LONDON, April 14th, 1866.
—I drove with the John Talbots to the Crystal Palace ; that is, alone with M. there, and with all coming home. It was very nice. We squabbled over politics a little.
—I drove with the John Talbots to the Crystal Palace ; that is, alone with M. there, and with all coming home. It was very nice. We squabbled over politics a little.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
13Apr1866, J.S. Mill and the Claims of the People
LONDON, April 13th, 1866.
—This is my never-to-be-forgotten day. Auntie P. and I did St. G. in the E., taking flowers there. I read to a roomful of oakum-picking women. We went to the House afterwards, quite on the chance ; and had the immense luck of hearing the famous Mr. J. S. Mill make a most perfect speech in favour of the Franchise Bill. In spite of the cry-down humour the Tories are in, it was striking to have this small-voiced philosopher listened to with the greatest possible attention and respect ; and indeed the speech was irresistibly fair, profound, and trenchant. Three or 4 times he made a dead pause of more than a minute, but only to produce some new, cogent argument armed at all points and perfectly expressed ; though he was keenly satirical once or twice, the whole tone of his speech was gentle and temperate to a degree. The Opposition held their tongues as if bewitched ! He followed Sir Bulwer Lytton, who made a slashing, clever speech. I found myself a good deal struck and moved, coming straight out of one of the depths of misery and pauperism, to hear the claims of the people so grandly brought forward : those "dumb" thousands, as Bright called them, among whom there must be so many feeling, as none of us can feel, for all this degradation ; and voiceless in the nation whom they might help to rouse to the most noble of battles.
—This is my never-to-be-forgotten day. Auntie P. and I did St. G. in the E., taking flowers there. I read to a roomful of oakum-picking women. We went to the House afterwards, quite on the chance ; and had the immense luck of hearing the famous Mr. J. S. Mill make a most perfect speech in favour of the Franchise Bill. In spite of the cry-down humour the Tories are in, it was striking to have this small-voiced philosopher listened to with the greatest possible attention and respect ; and indeed the speech was irresistibly fair, profound, and trenchant. Three or 4 times he made a dead pause of more than a minute, but only to produce some new, cogent argument armed at all points and perfectly expressed ; though he was keenly satirical once or twice, the whole tone of his speech was gentle and temperate to a degree. The Opposition held their tongues as if bewitched ! He followed Sir Bulwer Lytton, who made a slashing, clever speech. I found myself a good deal struck and moved, coming straight out of one of the depths of misery and pauperism, to hear the claims of the people so grandly brought forward : those "dumb" thousands, as Bright called them, among whom there must be so many feeling, as none of us can feel, for all this degradation ; and voiceless in the nation whom they might help to rouse to the most noble of battles.
12Apr1866, Speeches at the House
LONDON, April 12th, 1866.
—I spent a good deal of time at the House, where Uncle W. moved the 2nd reading of the Bill, in a spirited, eloquent speech. Lord Grosvenor moved his amendment (that the Bill was incomplete without redistribution being considered at the same time), and was seconded by Lord Stanley. I could hear little of either as Ld. G.'s voice is weak and low, and Lord S. tumbles over his tongue in an odd way ; but I believe Lord S.'s speech was very effective. Cavendish spoke after dinner : his 1st speech not upon Armyums : he hesitated a good deal, and seemed nervous : no wonder, for the Opposition chose to hoot and howl and roar with laughter in a way rather peculiar to after-dinner occasions and thoroughly disgraceful. There was stuff in his speech.
—I spent a good deal of time at the House, where Uncle W. moved the 2nd reading of the Bill, in a spirited, eloquent speech. Lord Grosvenor moved his amendment (that the Bill was incomplete without redistribution being considered at the same time), and was seconded by Lord Stanley. I could hear little of either as Ld. G.'s voice is weak and low, and Lord S. tumbles over his tongue in an odd way ; but I believe Lord S.'s speech was very effective. Cavendish spoke after dinner : his 1st speech not upon Armyums : he hesitated a good deal, and seemed nervous : no wonder, for the Opposition chose to hoot and howl and roar with laughter in a way rather peculiar to after-dinner occasions and thoroughly disgraceful. There was stuff in his speech.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
09Apr1866, Left Dear Holker
LONDON, April 9th, 1866.
—Lovely radiant morning the hills all sorts of violet shades. After packing, letters, etc., I went out at 12, picked daisies in the garden, and a lot more primroses in Watham : Fred rode on the sands, where he said it was beautiful. Left dear Holker, which made me sad at heart, at 2. Got home about 10½.
—Lovely radiant morning the hills all sorts of violet shades. After packing, letters, etc., I went out at 12, picked daisies in the garden, and a lot more primroses in Watham : Fred rode on the sands, where he said it was beautiful. Left dear Holker, which made me sad at heart, at 2. Got home about 10½.
06Apr1866, Best Novel: "Sylvia's Lovers"
HOLKER, April 6th, 1866.
—Finished "Sylvia's Lovers" in floods of tears ! and think it one of the best novels I ever read ; but a cruel one ; a thing it is really bad for one to have a heartache over.
—Finished "Sylvia's Lovers" in floods of tears ! and think it one of the best novels I ever read ; but a cruel one ; a thing it is really bad for one to have a heartache over.
02Apr1866, Dreading the Duke
HOLKER, April 2nd, 1866.
—My Fred away all day, doing a monster Reform Meeting at Leeds, where he moved the 1st resolution in a 25-minutes speech. I should like to have heard him ! Got very successfully through my tête-à-tête meals with my Papa-in-law, which I dreaded considerably.
—My Fred away all day, doing a monster Reform Meeting at Leeds, where he moved the 1st resolution in a 25-minutes speech. I should like to have heard him ! Got very successfully through my tête-à-tête meals with my Papa-in-law, which I dreaded considerably.
27Mar1866, Making Rounds at Holker
HOLKER, March 27th, 1866.
—Went to see Mrs. Pollard, also Mrs. Mackreth the woodman's wife, and Mrs. Telfer the huntsman's ; Aggy Hastings, Hannah Hewitson, John Brookes, and Mrs. Wilson in the cottages near Mr. Drewry's ; and Jenny Wilman at the lodge. All very cordial and nice to me.
—Went to see Mrs. Pollard, also Mrs. Mackreth the woodman's wife, and Mrs. Telfer the huntsman's ; Aggy Hastings, Hannah Hewitson, John Brookes, and Mrs. Wilson in the cottages near Mr. Drewry's ; and Jenny Wilman at the lodge. All very cordial and nice to me.
26Mar1866, A Lonely Day
HOLKER, March 26th, 1866.
—I have not spent such a lonely day for a long while. F. went off at 8¼ to Leeds, high gee a meeting precursory of a big Reform meeting, and was only back for 8½ dinner. I went through breakfast and luncheon tête-à-tête with my Papa-in-law in a state of great trepidation ; and feel sure he wished me at the bottom of the Baltic.
—I have not spent such a lonely day for a long while. F. went off at 8¼ to Leeds, high gee a meeting precursory of a big Reform meeting, and was only back for 8½ dinner. I went through breakfast and luncheon tête-à-tête with my Papa-in-law in a state of great trepidation ; and feel sure he wished me at the bottom of the Baltic.
Lady Day, 1866, Warmer Out Than In
HOLKER, Lady Day and Palm Sunday, 1866.
—A heavenly early-spring day : much warmer out than in. The very walk to the poor little hideous chapel along the muddy road was pleasant ! How much more Middle Bigland Scarr, Hobarrow and Ellerside. To Morgan, began the dear old "Warnings of the Holy Week."
—A heavenly early-spring day : much warmer out than in. The very walk to the poor little hideous chapel along the muddy road was pleasant ! How much more Middle Bigland Scarr, Hobarrow and Ellerside. To Morgan, began the dear old "Warnings of the Holy Week."
20Mar1866, Distributed Peppermints
LONDON, March 20th, 1866.
—I did St. Martin's workhouse in the morning, S. George's with Mrs. Spiers in the afternoon. Read 2 P.M. [FN: I.e. Parochial Mission.] stories to some women at work with great success. Distributed peppermints.
—I did St. Martin's workhouse in the morning, S. George's with Mrs. Spiers in the afternoon. Read 2 P.M. [FN: I.e. Parochial Mission.] stories to some women at work with great success. Distributed peppermints.
19Mar1866, Fast-day for Cattle Plague
LONDON, March 19th, 1866.
—Auntie P. popped in before dinner, with the news that the House had actually divided upon Uncle Wm.'s motion that the committee and petition business should be put off till 2 to-morrow, viewing it is the fast-day for the cattle-plague in this diocese. So it is to be ; but it was rather disgraceful that it was not an unanimous opinion.
—Auntie P. popped in before dinner, with the news that the House had actually divided upon Uncle Wm.'s motion that the committee and petition business should be put off till 2 to-morrow, viewing it is the fast-day for the cattle-plague in this diocese. So it is to be ; but it was rather disgraceful that it was not an unanimous opinion.
15Mar1866, Ly. Augusta and Dean Stanley
LONDON, March 15th, 1866.
—Had luncheon with M. at Ly. Augusta Stanley's. I should think no couple in the world were so unlike as Dean Stanley and his wife. She, big, vigorous-looking, very dark and ugly and coarse-featured (but with a nice good face all the same) ; he, wonderfully shrunk, small and squinny, with little sharply-cut features and light complexion. They are devoted to each other. We had luncheon in the very room where I sat waiting in my veil on my marriage-day, with my Fred beside me, and everybody else looking like a dream.
—Had luncheon with M. at Ly. Augusta Stanley's. I should think no couple in the world were so unlike as Dean Stanley and his wife. She, big, vigorous-looking, very dark and ugly and coarse-featured (but with a nice good face all the same) ; he, wonderfully shrunk, small and squinny, with little sharply-cut features and light complexion. They are devoted to each other. We had luncheon in the very room where I sat waiting in my veil on my marriage-day, with my Fred beside me, and everybody else looking like a dream.
13Mar1866, To Marlborough House
LONDON, March 13th, 1866.
—F. shirked Marlborough House ball in the coolest way, not to miss the debate ; but I went, and curtseyed to the Princess of Wales and Princess Helena : the latter looks as happy as a queen.
—F. shirked Marlborough House ball in the coolest way, not to miss the debate ; but I went, and curtseyed to the Princess of Wales and Princess Helena : the latter looks as happy as a queen.
Saturday, May 09, 2009
07Mar1866, Meeting Lowe and Carlyle
LONDON, March 7th, 1866.
—We dined at Mr. Bob Lowe's, which was very pleasant. He is immensely clever, agreeable, and humorous, but rubbed me up the wrong way with his bitter, low view of people and politics. Afterwards for a little while to Ly. Russell's drum, against my grain ; but it was a necessary civility. Was introduced to Carlyle who launched into a broad Scotch troll on Reform to F. An odd, shrewd, rough, weatherbeaten face, and an astonishing choker ! . . .
We dined at Ly. Cowper's, meeting her sons and daughters, Lord Houghton, Mr. Trevelyan, Mr. Barrett Browning , Mr. Stanhope , and Froude the historian who looks very clever and great, and is young and handsome, which I shouldn't have expected. F. to the perpetual House after dinner : I stayed on into a small party that dropped in, and talked to Mr. Cowper, Froude himself, and a Yankee called Lockwood, of agreeable manners.
—We dined at Mr. Bob Lowe's, which was very pleasant. He is immensely clever, agreeable, and humorous, but rubbed me up the wrong way with his bitter, low view of people and politics. Afterwards for a little while to Ly. Russell's drum, against my grain ; but it was a necessary civility. Was introduced to Carlyle who launched into a broad Scotch troll on Reform to F. An odd, shrewd, rough, weatherbeaten face, and an astonishing choker ! . . .
We dined at Ly. Cowper's, meeting her sons and daughters, Lord Houghton, Mr. Trevelyan, Mr. Barrett Browning , Mr. Stanhope , and Froude the historian who looks very clever and great, and is young and handsome, which I shouldn't have expected. F. to the perpetual House after dinner : I stayed on into a small party that dropped in, and talked to Mr. Cowper, Froude himself, and a Yankee called Lockwood, of agreeable manners.
06Mar1866, Bride: Measles, Groom: Gout
LONDON, March 6th, 1866.
—We dined at Ld. Granville's ; his little wife is a most winsome, pretty creature, with a bright sunshiny manner, and I should think plenty of character. It isn't proper for a bride to have the measles, and a bridegroom the gout ! but it has been their case. We met clever young Mr. Trevelyan (I should like to know once for all how to spell his name !).
—We dined at Ld. Granville's ; his little wife is a most winsome, pretty creature, with a bright sunshiny manner, and I should think plenty of character. It isn't proper for a bride to have the measles, and a bridegroom the gout ! but it has been their case. We met clever young Mr. Trevelyan (I should like to know once for all how to spell his name !).
03Mar1866, A Party During Lent
LONDON, March 3rd, 1866.
—Had to go, as an inevitable civility, to a party at Lady de Grey's as we had refused 3 other invitations of hers. I had the Lentums, and didn't like it at all ! Dinners feel much less frivolous to me : connected quiet talk, saving of trouble (and expense !) at home, and early getting away, and no squash or roar, or crowd of footmen, linkmen, and unwashed, gaping and shouting outside. I am glad to say we saved Sunday by ½ a minute.
—Had to go, as an inevitable civility, to a party at Lady de Grey's as we had refused 3 other invitations of hers. I had the Lentums, and didn't like it at all ! Dinners feel much less frivolous to me : connected quiet talk, saving of trouble (and expense !) at home, and early getting away, and no squash or roar, or crowd of footmen, linkmen, and unwashed, gaping and shouting outside. I am glad to say we saved Sunday by ½ a minute.
02Mar1866, Glimpses of the Deep, Wide Misery
LONDON, March 2nd, 1866.
—Many calls in the afternoon ; last but not least, upon George, Mary, Agnes, and Bertram Talbot ; who were all at home and delighted to see me and a picture-book I brought. They were sitting like olive-branches round about the table, at tea : all blooming, merry, and rosy. O such contrasts to a poor tiny whose mother came this morning for a beef-tea ticket ; and whose little year of life seemed to have been all suffering and cold and starvation. I have been thinking of it revived by the good beef-tea ; but it is terrible to know that I only see glimpses of the deep, wide misery all round us, and can hardly do any good.
—Many calls in the afternoon ; last but not least, upon George, Mary, Agnes, and Bertram Talbot ; who were all at home and delighted to see me and a picture-book I brought. They were sitting like olive-branches round about the table, at tea : all blooming, merry, and rosy. O such contrasts to a poor tiny whose mother came this morning for a beef-tea ticket ; and whose little year of life seemed to have been all suffering and cold and starvation. I have been thinking of it revived by the good beef-tea ; but it is terrible to know that I only see glimpses of the deep, wide misery all round us, and can hardly do any good.
27Feb1866, Refreshed by One's Comforts
LONDON, February 27th, 1866.
—I drove with Auntie P. and a Miss Smith in an excellent Greek Madame Ralli's carriage, she coming too. We went 1st to the London Hospital, where we talked and read to divers poor men and some poor little children ; then to the workhouse, a paradise of freshness, good order, and comfort compared with S. Martin's. I am to have a ward of decrepit old men, who enjoyed some peppermints I brought. There are 850 in the House. The chaplain showed me the oakum-picking room, crowded with women, some looking horrid enough, poor souls !
We dined at D. House : I hope it is not wrongly selfish to feel refreshed by one's comforts and pleasant refined things after going a little into the depths. One knows the poor people do not crave for these things, and one has been trying to cheer them ; still, it feels selfish.
—I drove with Auntie P. and a Miss Smith in an excellent Greek Madame Ralli's carriage, she coming too. We went 1st to the London Hospital, where we talked and read to divers poor men and some poor little children ; then to the workhouse, a paradise of freshness, good order, and comfort compared with S. Martin's. I am to have a ward of decrepit old men, who enjoyed some peppermints I brought. There are 850 in the House. The chaplain showed me the oakum-picking room, crowded with women, some looking horrid enough, poor souls !
We dined at D. House : I hope it is not wrongly selfish to feel refreshed by one's comforts and pleasant refined things after going a little into the depths. One knows the poor people do not crave for these things, and one has been trying to cheer them ; still, it feels selfish.
26Feb1866, St. George's-in-the-East
LONDON, February 26th, 1866.
—London House. I have undertaken to go once a fortnight to St. George's-in-the-East workhouse.
—London House. I have undertaken to go once a fortnight to St. George's-in-the-East workhouse.
22Feb1866, Funds for Princess Helena
LONDON, February 22nd, 1866.
—I got smuggled into the House, and heard Uncle Wm. speak upon the Queen's messages about granting money to Princess Helena on her marriage, and to Prince Alfred on his coming-of-age. He did it well, speaking of what Princess Helena had been to the Queen, which I know something of. She is to have £6,000 a year, and £30,000 down, which is rather stingy, considering how poor her marriage is : Prince Alfred £15,000 a year. Then Uncle Wm. delivered "a fine panegyric" on Lord Palmerston, proposing a monument to him in the Abbey. He did it very well. Then came Jamaica and Cattle-plague ; dull enough. We dined quite promiscuous at Ly. James' ; as did the Gladstones, and I enjoyed hearing and seeing something of Uncle Wm. again. He is certainly not yet overdone by the Leadership ! but in great force.
—I got smuggled into the House, and heard Uncle Wm. speak upon the Queen's messages about granting money to Princess Helena on her marriage, and to Prince Alfred on his coming-of-age. He did it well, speaking of what Princess Helena had been to the Queen, which I know something of. She is to have £6,000 a year, and £30,000 down, which is rather stingy, considering how poor her marriage is : Prince Alfred £15,000 a year. Then Uncle Wm. delivered "a fine panegyric" on Lord Palmerston, proposing a monument to him in the Abbey. He did it very well. Then came Jamaica and Cattle-plague ; dull enough. We dined quite promiscuous at Ly. James' ; as did the Gladstones, and I enjoyed hearing and seeing something of Uncle Wm. again. He is certainly not yet overdone by the Leadership ! but in great force.
18Feb1866, Cockney Damsels
LONDON, February 18th, 1866.
—Bright pleasant frost : a real enjoyment it was. Mazy and I fired away a class at one of the S. Martin's schools ; I was a good deal taken off my legs by the coolness and talkativeness of my pale-faced cockney damsels who were very ready to put me in the right way. The row was great, and my numbers unmanageable, so I did not make a satisfactory start. S. Martin's in the morning (as it always is, unless I say to the contrary) ; Mr. Helps called, and made us late for 3 o'clock Abbey ; so we poked in upon M. and then pounded off to S. Paul's, where was a big congregation. Two pretty baptisms which brought tears to my eyes, so foolishly did I long to see a baby of our own christened.
—Bright pleasant frost : a real enjoyment it was. Mazy and I fired away a class at one of the S. Martin's schools ; I was a good deal taken off my legs by the coolness and talkativeness of my pale-faced cockney damsels who were very ready to put me in the right way. The row was great, and my numbers unmanageable, so I did not make a satisfactory start. S. Martin's in the morning (as it always is, unless I say to the contrary) ; Mr. Helps called, and made us late for 3 o'clock Abbey ; so we poked in upon M. and then pounded off to S. Paul's, where was a big congregation. Two pretty baptisms which brought tears to my eyes, so foolishly did I long to see a baby of our own christened.
16Feb1866, Cattle Plague Rages
LONDON, February 16th, 1866.
—Cattle-plague rages in the House : a very stringent Bill is being passed, forbidding all movement of cattle along railways, and ordering the immediate slaughter of all diseased beasts. It is poor, science having entirely failed to find a remedy. There is rather a plausible one up just now, discovered by a Mr. Worms ; a mixture of onions and asafoetida (nice it must be !), but people don't trust it. We dined at home, then F. to the House till 1.
—Cattle-plague rages in the House : a very stringent Bill is being passed, forbidding all movement of cattle along railways, and ordering the immediate slaughter of all diseased beasts. It is poor, science having entirely failed to find a remedy. There is rather a plausible one up just now, discovered by a Mr. Worms ; a mixture of onions and asafoetida (nice it must be !), but people don't trust it. We dined at home, then F. to the House till 1.
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
13Feb1866, The Lower Class and the Upper Class
LONDON, February 13th, 1866.
—I crammed my day pretty full. First did books ; then went to Mrs. Humphrey's who took me to see their capital schools ; mem. especially, a little school held in the roof of a mission-chapel lately built in a squalid street, where they get hold of wretched neglected children. At, 12 I found myself with the Mesd. Talbot in their delightful soup-kitchen, which they have set up in Westminster. Poor people (not beggars) are given tickets, on showing which and paying a sum not exceeding 2d. they get good meat, soup, beef-tea, or pudding of at least twice the value of what they pay. Fred is going to be treasurer. Got home to luncheon, where we entertained Mr. St. Aubyn who is going to be married. May Lascelles came to see me about 4, after which I smiled for a few minutes upon a little tea-business at Auntie P.'s, and then drove off to S. Ann's National Schools, Limehouse, where a most charming, successful "mission tea-party" was held, under the auspices of my dear Miss Lilley, and the other good folk. Was glad to see Sarah Dorrington the 2nd mission woman looking busy and bright, but, alas ! not well. There were 210 women and 49 babies ! I poured out for one table. Had to go off directly after tea, hearing only one chorus, to my grief : but as it was, in spite of getting home by superhuman exertions in 35 minutes, I arrived after 8, with His Grace the Duke of Devonshire, the Secretary of War, the Lord-Lieutenant of Worcestershire, and Mr. Charles Howard, M.P., to entertain at dinner. I was a little jeered. But would not have missed the tea-party.
—I crammed my day pretty full. First did books ; then went to Mrs. Humphrey's who took me to see their capital schools ; mem. especially, a little school held in the roof of a mission-chapel lately built in a squalid street, where they get hold of wretched neglected children. At, 12 I found myself with the Mesd. Talbot in their delightful soup-kitchen, which they have set up in Westminster. Poor people (not beggars) are given tickets, on showing which and paying a sum not exceeding 2d. they get good meat, soup, beef-tea, or pudding of at least twice the value of what they pay. Fred is going to be treasurer. Got home to luncheon, where we entertained Mr. St. Aubyn who is going to be married. May Lascelles came to see me about 4, after which I smiled for a few minutes upon a little tea-business at Auntie P.'s, and then drove off to S. Ann's National Schools, Limehouse, where a most charming, successful "mission tea-party" was held, under the auspices of my dear Miss Lilley, and the other good folk. Was glad to see Sarah Dorrington the 2nd mission woman looking busy and bright, but, alas ! not well. There were 210 women and 49 babies ! I poured out for one table. Had to go off directly after tea, hearing only one chorus, to my grief : but as it was, in spite of getting home by superhuman exertions in 35 minutes, I arrived after 8, with His Grace the Duke of Devonshire, the Secretary of War, the Lord-Lieutenant of Worcestershire, and Mr. Charles Howard, M.P., to entertain at dinner. I was a little jeered. But would not have missed the tea-party.
12Feb1866, Ambassador Charles Adams
LONDON, February 12th, 1866.
—We had luncheon at the Speaker's, meeting the Adams (American Minister) and Dr. Vaughan. Mrs. Adams tickled me by saying "vāgăries" and "dēcŏrous." . . . Workhouse. Went to the House to hear Cattle-plague debate. We dined snug together, then F. to the House again, and I to Dudley House ball with the Gladstones, which felt rather mad. Ly. Dudley too lovely.
—We had luncheon at the Speaker's, meeting the Adams (American Minister) and Dr. Vaughan. Mrs. Adams tickled me by saying "vāgăries" and "dēcŏrous." . . . Workhouse. Went to the House to hear Cattle-plague debate. We dined snug together, then F. to the House again, and I to Dudley House ball with the Gladstones, which felt rather mad. Ly. Dudley too lovely.
10Feb1866, Religion-that-will-suit-all-creeds
LONDON, February 10th, 1866.
—Wonderfully warm : the poor silly buds are on the burst. We chose a pretty quaint bit of old china for a tardy wedding-present to Lady Granville. F. dined in full figg at the Speaker's. I sponged a dinner at the G.'s, where were Glynne uncles ; the Rev. one high gee Convocation, as is his wont ! I can't but be sorry (daresay I'm wrong) at Convocation snubbing down all and any "conscience" clause by a great majority. The plain justice of giving dissenters (whose tax-paying goes to support the school) the option of withdrawing their children from the religious instruction of a Church school, while they profit by the secular, in the few cases where it is impossible for them to have a school of their own, seems undeniable. The mass of the clergy will stop their ears to the whole thing. If they won't propose or admit any right "conscience" clause like what I have described, they will have some horrid religion-that-will-suit-all-creeds one forced upon them willy-nilly [FN: "Came too true" (added later).].
—Wonderfully warm : the poor silly buds are on the burst. We chose a pretty quaint bit of old china for a tardy wedding-present to Lady Granville. F. dined in full figg at the Speaker's. I sponged a dinner at the G.'s, where were Glynne uncles ; the Rev. one high gee Convocation, as is his wont ! I can't but be sorry (daresay I'm wrong) at Convocation snubbing down all and any "conscience" clause by a great majority. The plain justice of giving dissenters (whose tax-paying goes to support the school) the option of withdrawing their children from the religious instruction of a Church school, while they profit by the secular, in the few cases where it is impossible for them to have a school of their own, seems undeniable. The mass of the clergy will stop their ears to the whole thing. If they won't propose or admit any right "conscience" clause like what I have described, they will have some horrid religion-that-will-suit-all-creeds one forced upon them willy-nilly [FN: "Came too true" (added later).].
07Feb1866, Cavendish to the War Office
LONDON, February 7th, 1866.
—Cavendish got a mysterious scrap from Ld. Granville yesterday or the day before, containing the words : "Of course I congratulate you." Not being aware that he was going to be married, the Markiss was puzzled ; but lo and behold ! the cat is out and he succeeds Ld. De Grey in the War Office, to the satisfaction of all parties, which is a fine thing for a man of 32. He has gained a well-deserved character for hard work and knowledge of his business as Under Secretary. Lord Dufferin succeeds him. The Duke dined with us, and looked over the moon and very proud ; also Uncle G.and Eddy dined, and we were very snug.
—Cavendish got a mysterious scrap from Ld. Granville yesterday or the day before, containing the words : "Of course I congratulate you." Not being aware that he was going to be married, the Markiss was puzzled ; but lo and behold ! the cat is out and he succeeds Ld. De Grey in the War Office, to the satisfaction of all parties, which is a fine thing for a man of 32. He has gained a well-deserved character for hard work and knowledge of his business as Under Secretary. Lord Dufferin succeeds him. The Duke dined with us, and looked over the moon and very proud ; also Uncle G.and Eddy dined, and we were very snug.
Saturday, May 02, 2009
06Feb1866, The Queen Opens Parliament
LONDON, February 6th, 1866.
—A notable red-letter day. The dear Queen opened Parliament in person for the first time since her widowhood ; going in great state, drawn by 8 cream-colours, all her other carriages with 6 horses ; a large escort attending her. I went to the terrace of No. 11 and saw famously. She looked out, and bowed incessantly—her own gracious bow ; the enthusiasm was great among the big crowd ; and she had "Queen's weather." Arthur, to his great delight, was in waiting, and arrayed himself here, which gave much enjoyment to our household ! According to his report, the Queen wore pale lilac (qu. grey ?) silk, but according to Papa, it was black, and according to others it was to have been purple velvet ; so my ideas are not very clear on the subject. As she seated herself on the Throne it appears that she wrapped herself in the state mantle which was laid ready for her. She did not read the Speech herself : it was uncommonly long. My great excitement of hearing F. move the Address came off about 5. He was nervous, but got through it very well ; his voice much better and clearer than I expected, and plenty in his speech, which has received enough compliments to turn my head : "full of thought"—"the stuff to make a good speaker"—"the best mover and seconder speeches in somebody's recollection." Mr. Graham, the seconder, was very successful, and a good deal the most fluent. The funny thing was that old Yankee Freddy entirely forgot to allude to the American peace and the abolition of slavery ! after carefully preparing his say on that point. But he spoke nearly 1/2 an hour, which was long enough. Great is my repose and relief to-night, and I am proud of my Fred. He went off to the House after dinner, a fate which must inevitably befall me very often, and I sat solitary.
—A notable red-letter day. The dear Queen opened Parliament in person for the first time since her widowhood ; going in great state, drawn by 8 cream-colours, all her other carriages with 6 horses ; a large escort attending her. I went to the terrace of No. 11 and saw famously. She looked out, and bowed incessantly—her own gracious bow ; the enthusiasm was great among the big crowd ; and she had "Queen's weather." Arthur, to his great delight, was in waiting, and arrayed himself here, which gave much enjoyment to our household ! According to his report, the Queen wore pale lilac (qu. grey ?) silk, but according to Papa, it was black, and according to others it was to have been purple velvet ; so my ideas are not very clear on the subject. As she seated herself on the Throne it appears that she wrapped herself in the state mantle which was laid ready for her. She did not read the Speech herself : it was uncommonly long. My great excitement of hearing F. move the Address came off about 5. He was nervous, but got through it very well ; his voice much better and clearer than I expected, and plenty in his speech, which has received enough compliments to turn my head : "full of thought"—"the stuff to make a good speaker"—"the best mover and seconder speeches in somebody's recollection." Mr. Graham, the seconder, was very successful, and a good deal the most fluent. The funny thing was that old Yankee Freddy entirely forgot to allude to the American peace and the abolition of slavery ! after carefully preparing his say on that point. But he spoke nearly 1/2 an hour, which was long enough. Great is my repose and relief to-night, and I am proud of my Fred. He went off to the House after dinner, a fate which must inevitably befall me very often, and I sat solitary.
05Feb1866, Arnt Suverland is ill
LONDON, February 5th, 1866.
—We went to luncheon at Aunt Caroline's. They are all uneasy about the Dow. Duchess of Sutherland's [FN: Wife of the 2nd Duke : sister of Lord Frederick's mother.] health. Instead of the unwieldy title I might perhaps adopt Freddy's "Arnt Suverland." But I have always held her in awe, in spite of, or because of, her gentle, Royal sort of kindness.
—We went to luncheon at Aunt Caroline's. They are all uneasy about the Dow. Duchess of Sutherland's [FN: Wife of the 2nd Duke : sister of Lord Frederick's mother.] health. Instead of the unwieldy title I might perhaps adopt Freddy's "Arnt Suverland." But I have always held her in awe, in spite of, or because of, her gentle, Royal sort of kindness.
01Feb1866, The Great Man Gives Fred a Speech
LONDON, February 1st, 1866.
—We went across the way, and F. had a sit with Uncle Wm. who gave him the heads of the Queen's Speech ; which are ticklish enough to handle, what with Fenianism, Jamaica, Cattle-plague, and Reform Bill. Would it were all triumphantly over ! Fenianism, though apparently aimless and frantic as to organisation and object, is a terrible symptom of the miserable cankers of Ireland. The hope about vaccination is pretty nearly at an end. More than 10,000 beasts were attacked by the last week's return. Farmers and even gentry are ruined or 1/2 ruined. Cheshire is the worst county. Joints of beef are 1s. a lb., which is a cheat just now, as the market is full of meat ; but by and bye higher prices are inevitable.
F. went to a meeting about improving poor people's houses in Westminster, and to the House for the 1st time as M.P. to help re-elect the Speaker. I drove with Auntie P. and Mary (the great man with us part of the way, in high force) in the well-known old park, with a handful of riders adorning it already.
—We went across the way, and F. had a sit with Uncle Wm. who gave him the heads of the Queen's Speech ; which are ticklish enough to handle, what with Fenianism, Jamaica, Cattle-plague, and Reform Bill. Would it were all triumphantly over ! Fenianism, though apparently aimless and frantic as to organisation and object, is a terrible symptom of the miserable cankers of Ireland. The hope about vaccination is pretty nearly at an end. More than 10,000 beasts were attacked by the last week's return. Farmers and even gentry are ruined or 1/2 ruined. Cheshire is the worst county. Joints of beef are 1s. a lb., which is a cheat just now, as the market is full of meat ; but by and bye higher prices are inevitable.
F. went to a meeting about improving poor people's houses in Westminster, and to the House for the 1st time as M.P. to help re-elect the Speaker. I drove with Auntie P. and Mary (the great man with us part of the way, in high force) in the well-known old park, with a handful of riders adorning it already.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
29Jan1866, A Merry Servants' Ball
HOLKER, January 29th, 1866.
—A most merry, successful servants' ball came off in the corridor downstairs, reminding me of old Hagley doings. Dear me ! my last was at the coming of age ! For the 1st time in my life, indulged in polkas and other whisks, with Frank and Eddy, and enjoyed them hugely. Little Mary Cavendish [FN: Daughter of the 2nd Lord Chesham and, later, wife of Lady Frederick's eldest brother, Lord Cobham.] danced delightfully.
—A most merry, successful servants' ball came off in the corridor downstairs, reminding me of old Hagley doings. Dear me ! my last was at the coming of age ! For the 1st time in my life, indulged in polkas and other whisks, with Frank and Eddy, and enjoyed them hugely. Little Mary Cavendish [FN: Daughter of the 2nd Lord Chesham and, later, wife of Lady Frederick's eldest brother, Lord Cobham.] danced delightfully.
27Jan1866, A Charming Ride
26Jan1866, Flookburgh Remains
HOLKER, January 26th, 1866.
—After luncheon, Flookburgh remains, viz. dear doting Betty Moore, late washerwoman, and dreadfully dirty Agnes Haddath, bedridden.
—After luncheon, Flookburgh remains, viz. dear doting Betty Moore, late washerwoman, and dreadfully dirty Agnes Haddath, bedridden.
25Jan1866, Never Ending Shooting is a Tax
HOLKER, January 25th, 1866.
-The never-ending, still-beginning shooting, which becomes a serious tax to pay for the necessity of ducal preserves. Uncle Rd. and I walked by the park and fields to Flookburgh, where I hooked on to Lou, and we did a selection of poor folk ; viz. Mesdames Ellen Rose, Betty Turman, Cornthwaite, Bradley, Cooperthwaite, and wonderful old Geoffrey, who will stick to his assertion that he came to Flookburgh in Sir Something Lowther's time.
-The never-ending, still-beginning shooting, which becomes a serious tax to pay for the necessity of ducal preserves. Uncle Rd. and I walked by the park and fields to Flookburgh, where I hooked on to Lou, and we did a selection of poor folk ; viz. Mesdames Ellen Rose, Betty Turman, Cornthwaite, Bradley, Cooperthwaite, and wonderful old Geoffrey, who will stick to his assertion that he came to Flookburgh in Sir Something Lowther's time.
17Jan1866, All Expecting, Ah Dear Me
HOLKER, January 17th, 1866.
—Ld. Stanhope, who flatters me with his attentions, sent me some letters that passed between certain French big-wigs and the then Ld. Stanhope in 1792, of which he has just had 50 copies printed ; they have not much in them, but I feel much grattered and flattified. Ly. Henry Scott, Ly. Granville, and Ly. Dudley are all said to be expecting babies. Ah, dear me !
—Ld. Stanhope, who flatters me with his attentions, sent me some letters that passed between certain French big-wigs and the then Ld. Stanhope in 1792, of which he has just had 50 copies printed ; they have not much in them, but I feel much grattered and flattified. Ly. Henry Scott, Ly. Granville, and Ly. Dudley are all said to be expecting babies. Ah, dear me !
14Jan1866, A Tiff With Morgan
HOLKER, January 14th, 1866.
—I verily believe I have never mentioned F.'s having got the oppressive honour of moving the Address before him ! My day much overclouded by a tiff with Morgan, serious enough to entail upon her a talking-to from Fred and a threat of giving her warning ; but the sky is all clear again this evening ; and possibly all the clearer !
—I verily believe I have never mentioned F.'s having got the oppressive honour of moving the Address before him ! My day much overclouded by a tiff with Morgan, serious enough to entail upon her a talking-to from Fred and a threat of giving her warning ; but the sky is all clear again this evening ; and possibly all the clearer !
18Jan1866, Eddy and Emma visit
12Jan1866, Finished "Kenilworth"
HOLKER, January 12th, 1866.
—Yesterday I finished "Kenilworth," which excited and interested me fully as much as when I was 14 ; perhaps more, as it has haunted me at night.
—Yesterday I finished "Kenilworth," which excited and interested me fully as much as when I was 14 ; perhaps more, as it has haunted me at night.
Monday, April 27, 2009
11Jan1866, Goschen and Peel Promoted
HOLKER, January 11th, 1866.
—There is good deal of talk about Mr. Goschen being made something (FN: Chancellor) of the Duchy of Lancaster, unbeknown to Lord Russell's colleagues, and not having had time to do much to deserve it. Sir R. Peel over the moon at having been made K.C.B.
—There is good deal of talk about Mr. Goschen being made something (FN: Chancellor) of the Duchy of Lancaster, unbeknown to Lord Russell's colleagues, and not having had time to do much to deserve it. Sir R. Peel over the moon at having been made K.C.B.
06Jan1866, Cattle Plague
HOLKER, January 6th, 1866.
—The cattle-plague is fearful, more than 7,600 attacked a week, by the last return. We tremble for the beautiful herd of shorthorn cows and bulls here ; but it is not in the near neighbourhood. Worcestershire has been wonderfully free ; but it is bad on one of the Hawarden farms. Many places are forbidding all transfer of cattle. There is a notion that it is small-pox.
—The cattle-plague is fearful, more than 7,600 attacked a week, by the last return. We tremble for the beautiful herd of shorthorn cows and bulls here ; but it is not in the near neighbourhood. Worcestershire has been wonderfully free ; but it is bad on one of the Hawarden farms. Many places are forbidding all transfer of cattle. There is a notion that it is small-pox.
05Jan1866, Reading "Kenilworth"
HOLKER, January 5th, 1866.
—I began dear "Kenilworth" for the 2nd time, the 1st being at St. Leonard's in the happy spring of 1856.
—I began dear "Kenilworth" for the 2nd time, the 1st being at St. Leonard's in the happy spring of 1856.
04Jan1866, Deserve to be Destroyed
HOLKER, January 4th, 1866.
—Fearful accounts in the Times of the state of London houses for the poor. If something is not done, the country will deserve to be destroyed.
—Fearful accounts in the Times of the state of London houses for the poor. If something is not done, the country will deserve to be destroyed.
02Jan1866, The Downfall of Slavery
HOLKER, January 2nd, 1866.
—It is wrong to set out on the New Year without thinking of the great event of 1865: the American war ending with the downfall of Slavery. It is nothing short of a fulfilment of the words : "With men it is impossible : but with God all things are possible."
Of course there is awful perplexity and misery connected with the coloured people ; but one may trust that God, Who has worked one miracle for them, will make a way for bringing good and blessing upon their future. The worst fear at present seems to be of their dying out in the mysterious way uncivilized nations have before, when attempts have been made to make them live on equal terms with civilized men.
—It is wrong to set out on the New Year without thinking of the great event of 1865: the American war ending with the downfall of Slavery. It is nothing short of a fulfilment of the words : "With men it is impossible : but with God all things are possible."
Of course there is awful perplexity and misery connected with the coloured people ; but one may trust that God, Who has worked one miracle for them, will make a way for bringing good and blessing upon their future. The worst fear at present seems to be of their dying out in the mysterious way uncivilized nations have before, when attempts have been made to make them live on equal terms with civilized men.
01Jan1866, One Thing Wanting to Us
HOLKER, New Year's Day, 1866.
—God grant us another year of peaceful happiness, if it be His Will, and the one thing wanting to us. Emma has that precious hope for which I long sadly.
—God grant us another year of peaceful happiness, if it be His Will, and the one thing wanting to us. Emma has that precious hope for which I long sadly.
31Dec1865, Nice Little Boys
HOLKER, December 31st, 1865.
—I had a class (before morning church) at the school, of nice little boys, 2 or 3 very intelligent
—I had a class (before morning church) at the school, of nice little boys, 2 or 3 very intelligent
29Dec1865, Xmas Charities
HOLKER, December 29th, 1865.
—I took Lou's place in giving away Xmas charities of sheeting, blankets, flannel, etc., to divers poor folk, under the excellent Mrs. Birkett's eye. Got into the p. carriage in an interval of fine weather with Lord Rd. and drove to call on Mrs. Hubberty, but we were well wetted with driving rain. The poor little skeleton child is dead. Palgrave, Milton, letter-sorting. We had a snug little tea in our room, and entertained Cavendish, to my pride.
—I took Lou's place in giving away Xmas charities of sheeting, blankets, flannel, etc., to divers poor folk, under the excellent Mrs. Birkett's eye. Got into the p. carriage in an interval of fine weather with Lord Rd. and drove to call on Mrs. Hubberty, but we were well wetted with driving rain. The poor little skeleton child is dead. Palgrave, Milton, letter-sorting. We had a snug little tea in our room, and entertained Cavendish, to my pride.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
19Dec1865, The Little Boys Arrive
15Dec1865, General Mourning for the King of the Belgians
HAWARDEN, December 15th, 1865.
—The King of the Belgians is dead, and there is a general mourning for 10 days. The Queen will nevertheless appear at the opening of Parliament, but will not read the Speech, or wear the robes (which are to be laid on the throne !). A great thing it is, however.
We turned a "little dancing" into a mad and scampering little ball, which ended with an uproarious country dance, a final waltz, and "God save the Queen."
—The King of the Belgians is dead, and there is a general mourning for 10 days. The Queen will nevertheless appear at the opening of Parliament, but will not read the Speech, or wear the robes (which are to be laid on the throne !). A great thing it is, however.
We turned a "little dancing" into a mad and scampering little ball, which ended with an uproarious country dance, a final waltz, and "God save the Queen."
09Dec1865, The Jamaica Massacre
HAWARDEN, December 9th, 1865.
—The Jamaica massacre, in which it seems 2,000 blacks have been killed to revenge the deaths of 18 whites, was much talked of.
—The Jamaica massacre, in which it seems 2,000 blacks have been killed to revenge the deaths of 18 whites, was much talked of.
07Dec1865, A Meeting at Idle
ESHOLT, December 7th, 1865.
—Good-bye to Chatsworth and our smartest month of the year. I am in love with Ly. Dalkeith, and bewitched with Ly. Dufferin. We came here (the Fairbairns) for a Mechanics' Institute meeting at Idle—a big, overgrown, manufacturing village, with 9,000 people in it, but no particular streets. I was much delighted with the warmth and heartiness of the audience, all apparently working folk. My Fred spoke well. One old gentleman, in broad Yorkshire, got into such cloudland about Freddy's future among Cabinets and Councils that I feared he would come down with a bump ; but it rather thrilled me !
—Good-bye to Chatsworth and our smartest month of the year. I am in love with Ly. Dalkeith, and bewitched with Ly. Dufferin. We came here (the Fairbairns) for a Mechanics' Institute meeting at Idle—a big, overgrown, manufacturing village, with 9,000 people in it, but no particular streets. I was much delighted with the warmth and heartiness of the audience, all apparently working folk. My Fred spoke well. One old gentleman, in broad Yorkshire, got into such cloudland about Freddy's future among Cabinets and Councils that I feared he would come down with a bump ; but it rather thrilled me !
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
04Dec1865, Poodle Byng's 81st Birthday Dinner
CHATSWORTH, December 4th, 1865.—Poodle Byng is 81 to-day : we drank his health at dinner, and he made a good little speech, returning thanks. He remembers dancing at Devinshire House 72 years ago, when the late Duke was 3 or 4 years old. He was born long before the great Fr. Revolution was even thought of. To-day he walked up to the Stand, and a good deal besides, but he seems altered and rather stiffened. Lou, Emma, and I presented him with a photograph stand containing our 3 selves.
Monday, April 20, 2009
03Dec1865, A Dear Happy Day
CHATSWORTH, December 3rd, 1865.
—A dear happy day, full of help and blessing. My Sundays have not the delight they used to have in beautiful services, but this makes me the more appreciate the feeling of refreshment and renewal, when it comes ; for it must be straight from Heaven, I hope. We read Vaughan and "Xtian Year."
—A dear happy day, full of help and blessing. My Sundays have not the delight they used to have in beautiful services, but this makes me the more appreciate the feeling of refreshment and renewal, when it comes ; for it must be straight from Heaven, I hope. We read Vaughan and "Xtian Year."
02Dec1865, Too Much of a Massacre
CHATSWORTH, December 2nd, 1865.
—I went with Claud and Fr. Howd. to see the cover shooting which was too much of a massacre to be quite pleasing.
—I went with Claud and Fr. Howd. to see the cover shooting which was too much of a massacre to be quite pleasing.
30Nov1865, Fred's Birthday
CHATSWORTH, November 30th, 1865.
—My darling Fred 29 to-day : it seems a little old to me, alack ! I gave him a pair of muffatees, which have cost me gigantic efforts ! God grant us our heart's desire, if it is His Will, to make a new sunshine over Fred's next birthday.
—My darling Fred 29 to-day : it seems a little old to me, alack ! I gave him a pair of muffatees, which have cost me gigantic efforts ! God grant us our heart's desire, if it is His Will, to make a new sunshine over Fred's next birthday.
28Nov1865, Lacaita Delights with 'Cinque Maggio'
CHATSWORTH, November 28th, 1865.
—Sir James Lacaita delighted many of us with a spout of Tasso, but especially with the glorious "Cinque Maggio."
—Sir James Lacaita delighted many of us with a spout of Tasso, but especially with the glorious "Cinque Maggio."
27Nov1865, Lord Houghton Spouts His Poetry
CHATSWORTH, November 27th, 1865.
—Lord Houghton spouted 2 of his bits of poetry, but ill. "Long ago" is lovely.
—Lord Houghton spouted 2 of his bits of poetry, but ill. "Long ago" is lovely.
25Nov1865, My Wisest Advice
CHATSWORTH, November 25th, 1865.
—Evening whist, with the Houghtons and Mr. Howard, while the rest of the world, except the Duke, Ly. Newburgh, Aunt Fanny, and old slowcoach Fred, played billiard-battle : even Lord Stanley. [FN: The statesman ; afterwards 15th Earl of Derby : not a person much given to the lighter side of life.] Freddy Howard has much touched my heart by an outpour of his fervent attachment to a Miss Horrocks whom he met abroad. It seems he was a little snubbed by authorities, which he thought hard "when people come to a certain age." He is barely 19 ! and the damsel 20. I gave him my wisest advice : specially to wait till he was two-and-twenty before considering himself of a certain age.
—Evening whist, with the Houghtons and Mr. Howard, while the rest of the world, except the Duke, Ly. Newburgh, Aunt Fanny, and old slowcoach Fred, played billiard-battle : even Lord Stanley. [FN: The statesman ; afterwards 15th Earl of Derby : not a person much given to the lighter side of life.] Freddy Howard has much touched my heart by an outpour of his fervent attachment to a Miss Horrocks whom he met abroad. It seems he was a little snubbed by authorities, which he thought hard "when people come to a certain age." He is barely 19 ! and the damsel 20. I gave him my wisest advice : specially to wait till he was two-and-twenty before considering himself of a certain age.
22Nov1865, Dudley Marries Moncrieffe
CHATSWORTH, November 22nd, 1865.
—Yesterday Lord Dudley married Miss Georgina Moncrieffe, a beautiful girl under 20. Charles was best man ! but must have looked more like the bridegroom.
—Yesterday Lord Dudley married Miss Georgina Moncrieffe, a beautiful girl under 20. Charles was best man ! but must have looked more like the bridegroom.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
16Nov1865, Meriel Expecting No. 5
CHATSWORTH, November 16th, 1865.
—Dear old Meriel and John came. She looks very well, though, alas ! No. 5 hopes to arrive next June. It is a sad trial to the poor old thing, who would stop very willingly at 4 ; and would have been satisfied to have no children at all, which is all but inconceivable to me.
—Dear old Meriel and John came. She looks very well, though, alas ! No. 5 hopes to arrive next June. It is a sad trial to the poor old thing, who would stop very willingly at 4 ; and would have been satisfied to have no children at all, which is all but inconceivable to me.
15Nov1865, Trevelyan's 'Cawnpore'
CHATSWORTH, November 15th, 1865.
—I finished Mr. Trevelyan's book, "Cawnpore," which is fearfully graphic and said to be entirely accurate. I can remember, even in the midst of our own great grief in the autumn of 1857, the frightful heart-rending news from India, and specially the massacre of women and children : the outcries for vengeance, and the day of humiliation. It has left a horror and shudder at India in my heart which I can never get rid of.
—I finished Mr. Trevelyan's book, "Cawnpore," which is fearfully graphic and said to be entirely accurate. I can remember, even in the midst of our own great grief in the autumn of 1857, the frightful heart-rending news from India, and specially the massacre of women and children : the outcries for vengeance, and the day of humiliation. It has left a horror and shudder at India in my heart which I can never get rid of.
10Nov1865, Lord Boyle and Heart Ache
CHATSWORTH, November 10th, 1865.
—Poor Lord Boyle [FN: Afterwards 5th Earl of Shannon. He had lately lost his wife, who had been Lady Blanche Lascelles, daughter of the 3rd Earl of Harewood.] poured out to me some of his terrible trials, and made my heart ache. His home miserable, from the unkindness and extravagance of his parents—himself with no occupation, and with the light of his eyes gone. His children, poor little fellows, seem to be more anxiety than pleasure to him now that they are motherless, as is very natural. It is most piteous.
—Poor Lord Boyle [FN: Afterwards 5th Earl of Shannon. He had lately lost his wife, who had been Lady Blanche Lascelles, daughter of the 3rd Earl of Harewood.] poured out to me some of his terrible trials, and made my heart ache. His home miserable, from the unkindness and extravagance of his parents—himself with no occupation, and with the light of his eyes gone. His children, poor little fellows, seem to be more anxiety than pleasure to him now that they are motherless, as is very natural. It is most piteous.
31Oct1865, Snap-dragon and Salt
CHATSW ORTH, October 31st, 1865.
—My Fred went with the others to shoot, and then to Leeds, where he was to hold forth on Schools of Art ; and be back to-night at one. The Cawdors and two daughters, Aunt Fanny, husband and daughters, and Mr. Philips came. Lord Cawdor, his daughters told me, is so colour-blind that they have to hide the red sealing-wax when they are in mourning for fear of his using it ; and he sees no difference between people's ordinary complexion and that which snap-dragon and salt gives them ! We walked about the garden. I finished Pusey, and feel perhaps more dismayed than ever at the terrible state of the Roman Church, and yet somehow more hopeful of reunion following upon its reformation : the loving-hearted, earnest, sanguine character of Dr. Pusey shines through the whole book, the more striking combined as it is with such theological learning and research —and it kindles one into hope.
—My Fred went with the others to shoot, and then to Leeds, where he was to hold forth on Schools of Art ; and be back to-night at one. The Cawdors and two daughters, Aunt Fanny, husband and daughters, and Mr. Philips came. Lord Cawdor, his daughters told me, is so colour-blind that they have to hide the red sealing-wax when they are in mourning for fear of his using it ; and he sees no difference between people's ordinary complexion and that which snap-dragon and salt gives them ! We walked about the garden. I finished Pusey, and feel perhaps more dismayed than ever at the terrible state of the Roman Church, and yet somehow more hopeful of reunion following upon its reformation : the loving-hearted, earnest, sanguine character of Dr. Pusey shines through the whole book, the more striking combined as it is with such theological learning and research —and it kindles one into hope.
Friday, April 17, 2009
24Oct1865, Old Accounts of Wellington's Death
FRYSTON, October 24th, 1865.
—Mild pleasant day. I looked through the newspaper accounts of the Duke of Wellington's funeral, which Lord Houghton has kept. I am so glad I can so clearly remember Papa looking into the old school-room out of his old little study to tell us of the Duke's death, and Mamma writing to us about the funeral which I longed to see. This death of Lord Palmerston's makes nothing like the same impression that that did, or the Prince's.
—Mild pleasant day. I looked through the newspaper accounts of the Duke of Wellington's funeral, which Lord Houghton has kept. I am so glad I can so clearly remember Papa looking into the old school-room out of his old little study to tell us of the Duke's death, and Mamma writing to us about the funeral which I longed to see. This death of Lord Palmerston's makes nothing like the same impression that that did, or the Prince's.
23Oct1865, A Visit to Lord Houghton's
FRYSTON, October 23rd, 1865.
—We left beautiful Castle Howard, and came here, to Lord Houghton's, in time for luncheon. Drove with Ly. H. afterwards : the country flat, but with one pleasant wide view. I made great friends of the 3 children, Anicia, Florence, and Robin [FN: Now Marquess of Crewe.]. Three nice old moths are here, aunts of Lord H. The Queen has appointed Ld. Russell to form a ministry, to the violent rage of the Times. Letters : to and from Papa and Lou.
—We left beautiful Castle Howard, and came here, to Lord Houghton's, in time for luncheon. Drove with Ly. H. afterwards : the country flat, but with one pleasant wide view. I made great friends of the 3 children, Anicia, Florence, and Robin [FN: Now Marquess of Crewe.]. Three nice old moths are here, aunts of Lord H. The Queen has appointed Ld. Russell to form a ministry, to the violent rage of the Times. Letters : to and from Papa and Lou.
22Oct1865, Unsatisfactory Church Arrangements
CASTLE HOWARD, October 22nd, 1865.
—We went in the morning to an awful little apartment which calls itself Coneysthorpe Chapel, and which certainly adds another to my list of unsatisfactory church arrangements at great places. However, the place does not belong to Lord Carlisle. I felt as if I must have got into a meeting-house ! ...
I walked with F. to see the mausoleum, a terribly grim building, without anything about it to remind one of Christianity or of the Resurrection, unless it might be the lovely view from it.
—We went in the morning to an awful little apartment which calls itself Coneysthorpe Chapel, and which certainly adds another to my list of unsatisfactory church arrangements at great places. However, the place does not belong to Lord Carlisle. I felt as if I must have got into a meeting-house ! ...
I walked with F. to see the mausoleum, a terribly grim building, without anything about it to remind one of Christianity or of the Resurrection, unless it might be the lovely view from it.
21Oct1865, A Walk to the Pheasantry
CASTLE HOWARD, October 21st, 1865.
—Directly after luncheon I went to the station on the car, and brought back my Fred, and my sunshine of sunshine with him. We had a little walk to the pheasantry. Miss Kinnaird is here, a pleasant, agreeable old lady, of an old-fashioned depth of Low-Churchism which amuses me.
—Directly after luncheon I went to the station on the car, and brought back my Fred, and my sunshine of sunshine with him. We had a little walk to the pheasantry. Miss Kinnaird is here, a pleasant, agreeable old lady, of an old-fashioned depth of Low-Churchism which amuses me.
19Oct1865, Lord Palmerston Has Died
CASTLE HOWARD, October 19th, 1865.
—Lord Palmerston died yesterday morning. He would have been 81 to-morrow ; and it is wonderful to think of a man's dying in office who was born before the fall of the old French monarchy, and was in office before Uncle William was born. He caught cold out driving, being already ill with disease of the bladder. It is piteous to think of poor old Lady Palmerston. She wished him to give up office in the summer. It is hoped that the Queen will send for Lord Russell ; but there is no one now to advise her, and how terribly she must want the Prince ! ...
The Guardian gave an awful account of the state of religion in Italy : Mariolatry more and more absorbing all the devotion of the people.
—Lord Palmerston died yesterday morning. He would have been 81 to-morrow ; and it is wonderful to think of a man's dying in office who was born before the fall of the old French monarchy, and was in office before Uncle William was born. He caught cold out driving, being already ill with disease of the bladder. It is piteous to think of poor old Lady Palmerston. She wished him to give up office in the summer. It is hoped that the Queen will send for Lord Russell ; but there is no one now to advise her, and how terribly she must want the Prince ! ...
The Guardian gave an awful account of the state of religion in Italy : Mariolatry more and more absorbing all the devotion of the people.
17Oct1865, She Dresses Madly, Unbecrinolined
CASTLE HOWARD, October 17th, 1865.
—Rained most of the day. Nevertheless I could take in a good deal of the beauty of the place, as the Admiral, [FN: The Hon. Edward Howard, son of the 6th and father (sic, he was an uncle) of the 9th Earl of Carlisle, afterwards Lord Lanerton.] Fred, and I walked about the gardens in the afternoon. The inside of the house disappointed me, as the hall and gallery seem to be the only fine rooms ; but the pictures are something. The outside I thought very handsome, and more graceful and ornamental than Chatsworth. We went over the house in the morning ; F. has not been here since just after the late Duke's death, when his grandmother Carlisle was still alive, in '58. I was introduced to Rosalind's baby, [FN: Now Lady Mary Murray.] a nice, fat, thriving thing, with a promise of pretty eyes, but otherwise not lovely ; very forward and lively, and delighted with her tub. Rosalind is only 20 : she is an original little person, and half attracts and half repels one with her ways and words ; she dresses madly in odd-coloured gowns with long trains, which cling around her unbecrinolined.
—Rained most of the day. Nevertheless I could take in a good deal of the beauty of the place, as the Admiral, [FN: The Hon. Edward Howard, son of the 6th and father (sic, he was an uncle) of the 9th Earl of Carlisle, afterwards Lord Lanerton.] Fred, and I walked about the gardens in the afternoon. The inside of the house disappointed me, as the hall and gallery seem to be the only fine rooms ; but the pictures are something. The outside I thought very handsome, and more graceful and ornamental than Chatsworth. We went over the house in the morning ; F. has not been here since just after the late Duke's death, when his grandmother Carlisle was still alive, in '58. I was introduced to Rosalind's baby, [FN: Now Lady Mary Murray.] a nice, fat, thriving thing, with a promise of pretty eyes, but otherwise not lovely ; very forward and lively, and delighted with her tub. Rosalind is only 20 : she is an original little person, and half attracts and half repels one with her ways and words ; she dresses madly in odd-coloured gowns with long trains, which cling around her unbecrinolined.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
16Oct1865, A Visit to Castle Howard
CASTLE HOWARD, October 16th, 1865.
—Came to Castle Howard of which I have heard so much since our marriage, especially from the Lascelles since Lord Carlisle's death, [FN: The 7th Earl, twice Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland.] that it saddens me to have no old memories of my own clinging to it. His life seems to have been one of those that gilds all the lives among which it is cast, as Mamma's and Aunt Lavinia's did.
—Came to Castle Howard of which I have heard so much since our marriage, especially from the Lascelles since Lord Carlisle's death, [FN: The 7th Earl, twice Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland.] that it saddens me to have no old memories of my own clinging to it. His life seems to have been one of those that gilds all the lives among which it is cast, as Mamma's and Aunt Lavinia's did.
15Oct1865, A Peal in Honour of Lou
HARDWICK, October 15th, 1865.
—Afternoon sermon on the godly helped in temptations. They sang a wedding hymn and rang a peal in honour of Lou. A yellow dog appeared in the pew, and would make himself agreeable, the more he was requested to withdraw.
—Afternoon sermon on the godly helped in temptations. They sang a wedding hymn and rang a peal in honour of Lou. A yellow dog appeared in the pew, and would make himself agreeable, the more he was requested to withdraw.
09Oct1865, Blessings and Sunshine are Outpoured
HARDWICK, October 9th, 1865.
—A little before 6 took place the exciting arrival of Frank and Lou from Chatsworth. Two little arches greeted them, and they were dragged up to the house door, and famously cheered. Nothing could look happier and brighter than dear Lou, and it is too nice and refreshing to see her just like herself and falling back into her old ways, with only the difference of so much new happiness. Blessings and sunshine are outpoured upon us all round !
—A little before 6 took place the exciting arrival of Frank and Lou from Chatsworth. Two little arches greeted them, and they were dragged up to the house door, and famously cheered. Nothing could look happier and brighter than dear Lou, and it is too nice and refreshing to see her just like herself and falling back into her old ways, with only the difference of so much new happiness. Blessings and sunshine are outpoured upon us all round !
08Oct1865, A Prayer for the Cattle-Plague
HARDWICK, October 8th, 1865.
—A prayer was used by authority, for deliverance from the cattle-plague, and from the threatened cholera. God grant it !
—A prayer was used by authority, for deliverance from the cattle-plague, and from the threatened cholera. God grant it !
06Oct1865, Regal Style
HARDWICK, October 6th, 1865.
—We came to Hardwick, in the same regal style as last year : special train, swarms of horses, dogs, carriages, and servants, and barouche and four to meet us at Chesterfield.
—We came to Hardwick, in the same regal style as last year : special train, swarms of horses, dogs, carriages, and servants, and barouche and four to meet us at Chesterfield.
02Oct1865, Sixteen Flookburghers
HOLKER, October 2nd, 1865.
—I went with Mr. Rigg to about 16 Flookburghers ; liked many of them. Old Geoffrey Thompson, who is over 90, said he could remember the time of Sir William Lowther, but I fear it is a delusion, as he died more than 100 years ago. "Lords?" he said: "I remember 5 lords at Holker."
I saw a terrible sight : a child of 12 or 13, who has been wasting away for nearly a year : does not look more than 6, and her poor little arms and legs were like claws : no flesh whatever : the large joints and the bones barely covered with skin : I could not have believed thinness could be so fearful to look at.
—I went with Mr. Rigg to about 16 Flookburghers ; liked many of them. Old Geoffrey Thompson, who is over 90, said he could remember the time of Sir William Lowther, but I fear it is a delusion, as he died more than 100 years ago. "Lords?" he said: "I remember 5 lords at Holker."
I saw a terrible sight : a child of 12 or 13, who has been wasting away for nearly a year : does not look more than 6, and her poor little arms and legs were like claws : no flesh whatever : the large joints and the bones barely covered with skin : I could not have believed thinness could be so fearful to look at.
29Sep1865, New Bessemer Process of Making Steel
HOLKER, Michaelmas Day, 1865.
—Rather raw and nasty. Eddy and Emma, Freddy and I, May, Walter, Lord Richard, and Mr. Grey went to Barrow and saw the new Bessemer process of making steel out of Haematite iron ore : too interesting and wonderful, especially the great blast of air by which the carbon is driven out of the ore : the contact of the two gases making the most tremendous white-hot fire. The hammering delightful too. The town is spreading out and springing up vigorously, and gathers population tolerably fast. The great docks making strides.
—Rather raw and nasty. Eddy and Emma, Freddy and I, May, Walter, Lord Richard, and Mr. Grey went to Barrow and saw the new Bessemer process of making steel out of Haematite iron ore : too interesting and wonderful, especially the great blast of air by which the carbon is driven out of the ore : the contact of the two gases making the most tremendous white-hot fire. The hammering delightful too. The town is spreading out and springing up vigorously, and gathers population tolerably fast. The great docks making strides.
28Sep1865, Letters from Lou
HOLKER, September 28th, 1865.
—I had a great treat of a nice, dear, warm letter from Frank, in answer to a bit to Lou that I went and wrote as soon as her back was turned. He said she was so overtired and excited as to be almost hysterical yesterday, poor dear ; but he had made her lie down on the sofa, where she had gone sound asleep. His letter was full of tenderness for her, and of happiness. F. made me take it to the Duke in his room : the 1st time I have gone to him there ! but despair and bewilderment of soul made me desperate ! and I marched in. The letter quite overcame him. He gave me a dear one from Lou to him to read, which was full of happiness ("I am very, very happy"), but also full of loving sorrow at leaving her father. Now one may think of her calmed down and resting in the wonderful joy that is like no other.
—I had a great treat of a nice, dear, warm letter from Frank, in answer to a bit to Lou that I went and wrote as soon as her back was turned. He said she was so overtired and excited as to be almost hysterical yesterday, poor dear ; but he had made her lie down on the sofa, where she had gone sound asleep. His letter was full of tenderness for her, and of happiness. F. made me take it to the Duke in his room : the 1st time I have gone to him there ! but despair and bewilderment of soul made me desperate ! and I marched in. The letter quite overcame him. He gave me a dear one from Lou to him to read, which was full of happiness ("I am very, very happy"), but also full of loving sorrow at leaving her father. Now one may think of her calmed down and resting in the wonderful joy that is like no other.
Monday, April 13, 2009
26Sep1865, Lou and Frank are Married
HOLKER, September 26th, 1865.
—Frank and Lou were married in Cartmel Church, and, 0 dear, I am almost too tired and pompé to say anything about it. But must. The weather quite perfect ; warm and serene and sunny, and with breeze enough to wave the flags with which house, church, and villages were adorned. Nothing could have been nicer than the feeling shown by all the people : it went through and through one. The day, of course, managed to be endless ; every hour taking 2 hours to pass ; owing to the big intervals between acts. The church was carpeted with red-cloth and looked its best. I did not expect to be upset by the service which is a calming thing, I think ; but when dear Lou came up the choir with the poor Duke, to the sound of a beautiful wedding-hymn, and one looked at her dear, tall, bending figure standing by her father, to whom she has been all the world !—Cavendish's face, too, struck me and moved me exceedingly—full of deep feeling which I had never seen called forth in him before. My poor Fred's love for her I knew all about, and pretty well Eddy's too ; so that I did not wonder at their regularly crying—and could only be a little glad that they have wives to comfort them ! I can't go into all the details of the cheers, the crowds, and the triumphant arches : everything meant the same : true, loving enthusiasm. It was a pretty compliment to Frank, the sticking up in the arches divers little ships, full rig—but he was rather distressed at one being a merchantman. When we got home, following immediately after the Duke (who drove back with Cavendish and Eddy—without her, 0 dear !), and I came upon him standing alone in the corridor, if you had shot me I couldn't have helped it, I went up and kissed him and squeezed his hand. It was the very spot where he kissed me so kindly when Freddy first brought me to Holker, and ever since Lou has been a sister to me. Then I made Frank kiss me, which he did very warmly. She kept herself composed with some difficulty, and broke down more than once in private ; especially when Cavendish went to her room before, and was much overcome himself. Most of us went to the tenants' dinner which I would not have missed for anything. The Duke could not trust himself to go, so Cavendish returned thanks for him, his voice trembling, and his face quite white. What he said was perfect, in its simplicity and depth of feeling : it gives me a new affection for him, showing me how tender his heart is. Freddy and Eddy each had to say a word or two of thanks for their healths being drunk. Fred spoke very well. At last came the going away, and I realized fully for the first time how terribly we shall all miss her, and Freddy and I went upstairs and cried frightfully. The three kept much with their father, and it was very comforting to see them with him, and to know that they are almost like daughters to him.
For about 24 hours, I should say, judging by the exhaustion that followed, we stood on a bench against the garden wall, being great audience to games ; and finally the evening blew up in fireworks, and that's all I can put down about it. P.S.---Lord Granville was married to his 18-year-old bride to-day : and they telegraphed congratulations, which were returned.
25Sep1865, Honour to the Grim Last Evening
24Sep1865, We Were a Vast Army
HOLKER, September 24th, 1865.
—Our big numbers divided themselves between Cartmel and Flookburgh : I walked to Cartmel. Escorted old Lady Ellesmere to Flookb., in the afternoon ; was a little afraid of her, but found her a kind, decided, pretty old lady. Lou paid me a little visit in my room. We were a vast army streaming in to prayers from 2 ends of the passage. These days are rather dreadful and bewildering, and I shan't dislike finding myself in next week. Read some "Pensées de Pascal," with which I was much delighted.
—Our big numbers divided themselves between Cartmel and Flookburgh : I walked to Cartmel. Escorted old Lady Ellesmere to Flookb., in the afternoon ; was a little afraid of her, but found her a kind, decided, pretty old lady. Lou paid me a little visit in my room. We were a vast army streaming in to prayers from 2 ends of the passage. These days are rather dreadful and bewildering, and I shan't dislike finding myself in next week. Read some "Pensées de Pascal," with which I was much delighted.
23Sep1865, Lou's Wedding Gifts
HOLKER, September 23rd, 1865.
—Arrived the two Ladies Ellesmere, Lord Ellesmere, Ly. Blanche, the Enfields, and Uncle Richard ; and we are 27 in the house. Presents of the kind that sink deepest into one's heart came in : a beautiful quaint little gold tea-service and a silver tray from Keighley and other places, an ivory Prayer Book from the Flookburgh school, and a diamond and ruby necklace from Chatsworth ! We all dawdled rather : sat outside, entertained arrivals, etc. Fawcett, [FN: 2 I.e. his "Political Economy."] however ! The table at dinner had to be put with one end in the bow-window.
—Arrived the two Ladies Ellesmere, Lord Ellesmere, Ly. Blanche, the Enfields, and Uncle Richard ; and we are 27 in the house. Presents of the kind that sink deepest into one's heart came in : a beautiful quaint little gold tea-service and a silver tray from Keighley and other places, an ivory Prayer Book from the Flookburgh school, and a diamond and ruby necklace from Chatsworth ! We all dawdled rather : sat outside, entertained arrivals, etc. Fawcett, [FN: 2 I.e. his "Political Economy."] however ! The table at dinner had to be put with one end in the bow-window.
19Sep1865, Lou's Trousseau Arrives
HOLKER, September 19th, 1865.
—Folk drove, couples coupled. We had a delightful series of scampers on a fine long strip of sand near Park Head : Kinataloon gave Lou's horse a slight kick, but no harm came of it. Palgrave and dear Paradise Lost. . . .
Lou's trousseau has arrived, and causes great excitement : she showed off to us a specially charming plush gown, in colour very like a mouse-coloured Scotch bullock. It is curious how quietly and humdrummily we manage to slip on from day to day.
—Folk drove, couples coupled. We had a delightful series of scampers on a fine long strip of sand near Park Head : Kinataloon gave Lou's horse a slight kick, but no harm came of it. Palgrave and dear Paradise Lost. . . .
Lou's trousseau has arrived, and causes great excitement : she showed off to us a specially charming plush gown, in colour very like a mouse-coloured Scotch bullock. It is curious how quietly and humdrummily we manage to slip on from day to day.
12Sep1865, Lord Russell's Book a Bore
HOLKER, September 12th, 1865.
—We had 2 pulls at discarded Lord Russell [FN: That is, a book of his.] who is rather a bore.
—We had 2 pulls at discarded Lord Russell [FN: That is, a book of his.] who is rather a bore.
09Sep1865, Dismay Over Lord Granville's Marriage
HOLKER, September 9th, 1865.
—I meditated over money matters, for once, with agreeable results. . .
There is some dismay over Lord Granville's marriage : such frightful disparity of years : the poor little body will be in all human probability a widow before she is 40 ; they say she is full of fun and high spirits.
—I meditated over money matters, for once, with agreeable results. . .
There is some dismay over Lord Granville's marriage : such frightful disparity of years : the poor little body will be in all human probability a widow before she is 40 ; they say she is full of fun and high spirits.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
08Sep1865, Lord Granville Engaged, Rather Awful
HOLKER, September 8th, 1865.
—We heard of a very interesting marriage : Lord Granville to a pretty Scotch Miss Campbell, only 17 and just out. 33 years between them ! rather awful. Lou put out her wedding presents ; the upper servants have given her a pretty silver inkstand, the under ones here a charming wooden blotting-book cornered with silver.
—We heard of a very interesting marriage : Lord Granville to a pretty Scotch Miss Campbell, only 17 and just out. 33 years between them ! rather awful. Lou put out her wedding presents ; the upper servants have given her a pretty silver inkstand, the under ones here a charming wooden blotting-book cornered with silver.
07Sep1865, Cavendish Sees Our Room
HOLKER, September 7th, 1865.
—I poked up Cavendish, and we took him to see our dear little room after tea ; he had not seen it before. Was struck. We had a pleasant brotherly little dinner.
—I poked up Cavendish, and we took him to see our dear little room after tea ; he had not seen it before. Was struck. We had a pleasant brotherly little dinner.
05Sep1865, My Old Birthday
BOLTON, September 5th, 1865.
—My old birthday, making me 24. I am not quite ½ way to 30 from 20, which proves that I am not so old as might be. And being married has in some ways made me feel younger —partly from the long holyday so much of my new life has been, partly from being the youngest of my new nears and dears (in both which respects things make a great contrast with my Hagley life), but perhaps mostly from the blessed satisfied sense of dependence on one who is as my own self to me, and without whom I should feel lost. Ah ! how difficult it is to keep this great blessedness subordinate to the feeling akin to it, but higher and more divine !—the Love which leads to the Peace that passeth understanding, and for which, over and above all this wealth of human love, one's inner soul is for ever hungering and thirsting.
—My old birthday, making me 24. I am not quite ½ way to 30 from 20, which proves that I am not so old as might be. And being married has in some ways made me feel younger —partly from the long holyday so much of my new life has been, partly from being the youngest of my new nears and dears (in both which respects things make a great contrast with my Hagley life), but perhaps mostly from the blessed satisfied sense of dependence on one who is as my own self to me, and without whom I should feel lost. Ah ! how difficult it is to keep this great blessedness subordinate to the feeling akin to it, but higher and more divine !—the Love which leads to the Peace that passeth understanding, and for which, over and above all this wealth of human love, one's inner soul is for ever hungering and thirsting.
04Sep1865, More News on the Atlantic Cable
BOLTON, September 4th, 1865.
—Shooting not out of the common : Charles did well at Nelly Park, killing right and left, twice running. Total bag, 120 brace. Have I ever mentioned what was amiss with the Atlantic cable? It broke in mid-Atlantic, from fraying against a part of the machinery, while being hauled in to mend a fault ; again and again they grappled for it, and dropped it after dragging it up a great distance, the hauling ropes breaking, till all the rope was exhausted. And now we are to try again next spring, and, failing the present one, to buy another. All went well but for certain defects in the hauling-in machinery. Two defects in the cable itself had been set right.
—Shooting not out of the common : Charles did well at Nelly Park, killing right and left, twice running. Total bag, 120 brace. Have I ever mentioned what was amiss with the Atlantic cable? It broke in mid-Atlantic, from fraying against a part of the machinery, while being hauled in to mend a fault ; again and again they grappled for it, and dropped it after dragging it up a great distance, the hauling ropes breaking, till all the rope was exhausted. And now we are to try again next spring, and, failing the present one, to buy another. All went well but for certain defects in the hauling-in machinery. Two defects in the cable itself had been set right.
03Sep1865, Eastern Church Communion
BOLTON, September 3rd, 1865.
—Some of the Eastern Church have lately admitted English Churchmen to Communion : a blessed thing. No Holy Communion here to-day, alas !
—Some of the Eastern Church have lately admitted English Churchmen to Communion : a blessed thing. No Holy Communion here to-day, alas !
30Aug1865, Bleak Stories in the News
BOLTON, August 30th, 1865.
—There have been fearful cholera ravages at Constantinople. Constance Kent has made a detailed confession of her cool, well-planned, and most devilish murder of her baby-brother ; hideous enough ; the genuine repentance of such a nature is little short of a miracle, and will make a lasting impression, one may well hope, after the silly panic about popery, sisterhoods, and confessionals has died out. There have been other murders, too heart-sickening to comment on : a woman called Windsor convicted, who made a trade of killing babies for a few pounds, when wretched mothers wished to get rid of them ; another woman murdered her infant by breaking one of its bones daily ; a man has killed his wife and child and his three illegitimate children, with the barest shadow of motive.
—There have been fearful cholera ravages at Constantinople. Constance Kent has made a detailed confession of her cool, well-planned, and most devilish murder of her baby-brother ; hideous enough ; the genuine repentance of such a nature is little short of a miracle, and will make a lasting impression, one may well hope, after the silly panic about popery, sisterhoods, and confessionals has died out. There have been other murders, too heart-sickening to comment on : a woman called Windsor convicted, who made a trade of killing babies for a few pounds, when wretched mothers wished to get rid of them ; another woman murdered her infant by breaking one of its bones daily ; a man has killed his wife and child and his three illegitimate children, with the barest shadow of motive.
28Aug1865, Cattle Epidemic, Nevy at Sea
BOLTON, August 28th, 1865.
—The Duke had to go to a Skipton meeting, with a view to taking steps about the frightful new cattle epidemic which is spreading over the country. (À propos of that, there is also much fear of cholera, which has been making one of its marches over Europe ; and the harvest is in danger from the late rain, so there are breakers ahead ; and the prayer against plague, pestilence, and famine has terrible meaning.)
The other gentlemen shot about Aigill, and got nearly 100 brace ; F. much the best : 27½ brace. I have a heart-pinch this evening, thinking of Nevy's first night at sea. It will possibly be 4 years before we see him again, and what may they not bring forth !
—The Duke had to go to a Skipton meeting, with a view to taking steps about the frightful new cattle epidemic which is spreading over the country. (À propos of that, there is also much fear of cholera, which has been making one of its marches over Europe ; and the harvest is in danger from the late rain, so there are breakers ahead ; and the prayer against plague, pestilence, and famine has terrible meaning.)
The other gentlemen shot about Aigill, and got nearly 100 brace ; F. much the best : 27½ brace. I have a heart-pinch this evening, thinking of Nevy's first night at sea. It will possibly be 4 years before we see him again, and what may they not bring forth !
25Aug1865, More Birds Killed
BOLTON, August 25th, 1865.
—It was Crook Rise again to-day, and still more birds were killed : about 508. F. the 2nd biggest bag : 68.
—It was Crook Rise again to-day, and still more birds were killed : about 508. F. the 2nd biggest bag : 68.
20Aug1865, Cake in our Pockets
BOLTON, August 20th, 1865.
—Drove to call on Mrs. Holmes and Mrs. Benson, the latter of whom treated us to gooseberry wine and sponge cake. We disposed of most of the cake into our pockets surreptitiously.
—Drove to call on Mrs. Holmes and Mrs. Benson, the latter of whom treated us to gooseberry wine and sponge cake. We disposed of most of the cake into our pockets surreptitiously.
19Aug1865, The Great Crook Rise Day
BOLTON, August 19th, 1865.
—At last, a lovely serene day without a drop of rain. Very fortunate, for the great Crook Rise day. They set off at 9½ ; we drove to Thorpe Fell and came in for the last drive before luncheon, which did not come off till 3. We saw 3 drives afterwards. The sport was glorious, and the total the biggest ever known here : viz. 2502 brace. Fred's was the 3rd best bag : 37½ brace. We did not dine till 9.
—At last, a lovely serene day without a drop of rain. Very fortunate, for the great Crook Rise day. They set off at 9½ ; we drove to Thorpe Fell and came in for the last drive before luncheon, which did not come off till 3. We saw 3 drives afterwards. The sport was glorious, and the total the biggest ever known here : viz. 2502 brace. Fred's was the 3rd best bag : 37½ brace. We did not dine till 9.
16Aug1865, Unpolished Ways Preferred to Semi-Gentility
BOLTON, August 16th, 1865.
—Lou and I did not go up to the moors, but paid visits to 10 cottages : the folk at Halton most pleasant, attractive people, their nice unpolished ways a good deal more to my taste than Worcestersh. propriety and semi-gentility. One poor old, old man cannot at all get over the death of his wife in the spring, and sobbed piteously at the sight of Lou who took me to see them both last August. They had been married above 50 years.
—Lou and I did not go up to the moors, but paid visits to 10 cottages : the folk at Halton most pleasant, attractive people, their nice unpolished ways a good deal more to my taste than Worcestersh. propriety and semi-gentility. One poor old, old man cannot at all get over the death of his wife in the spring, and sobbed piteously at the sight of Lou who took me to see them both last August. They had been married above 50 years.
15Aug1865, Reading 'Policial Economy' and 'Arabia'
BOLTON, August 15th, 1865.
—Rained with little cessation till past four : no shooting. F. and I had some tiny honeymoon sits and a walk to the Terrace. I have begun Fawcett a 2nd time, meaning really to give my mind to as much as it is up to of Political Economy. Also we read together Palgrave's "Arabia." Womankind drove in 2 vehicles, and walked, to the Strid, the Valley of Desolation, and round by Barden. The waterfall was at its best, foaming and leaping down : the bottled-porter colour exactly !
—Rained with little cessation till past four : no shooting. F. and I had some tiny honeymoon sits and a walk to the Terrace. I have begun Fawcett a 2nd time, meaning really to give my mind to as much as it is up to of Political Economy. Also we read together Palgrave's "Arabia." Womankind drove in 2 vehicles, and walked, to the Strid, the Valley of Desolation, and round by Barden. The waterfall was at its best, foaming and leaping down : the bottled-porter colour exactly !
10Aug1865, Investing in Haematite
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.
—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.
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