HARDWICK, October 14th, 1866.
—Sir James [FN: Lacaita] told us a capital story, which he said was highly characteristic of the two men. When news was brought to Card. Antonelli of the cession of Venetia to France, and France's intention of handing it on to Italy (an arrangement, by the bye, that the Italians kicked at, from pure pride, rightly or wrongly), the Cardinal sat horrified and dumbfounded ; then, covering his face with his hands, said, "Dio mio !—cade it cielo" He settled with the news-bringer that he (the latter) must go and break the fact to the Pope, he (the Cardinal) not having the courage to do so. But when the other told the Pope the news, the Pope in a radiant state exclaimed, "Benedetto Dio!—non udiremo piu parlay della questione di Venezia"
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
06Oct1866, Arrived Safely
HARDWICK, October 6th, 1866.
—The hounds met at the back of the house, and Emma and I drove about there. My own Fred arrived safely before 1 o'clock ; and I had such happy bits of talk and felt my heart satisfied ! He and Eddy rode with the hounds (it was only pottering after cubs) and afterwards shot ; poor Freddy sleepy enough in consequence. Emma and I visited 2 or 3 folk at Rowthorne.
—The hounds met at the back of the house, and Emma and I drove about there. My own Fred arrived safely before 1 o'clock ; and I had such happy bits of talk and felt my heart satisfied ! He and Eddy rode with the hounds (it was only pottering after cubs) and afterwards shot ; poor Freddy sleepy enough in consequence. Emma and I visited 2 or 3 folk at Rowthorne.
05Oct1866, He's Coming Home
HARDWICK, October 5th, 1866.
—At last, at last, the day is come ! But he won't be here till past 1 at night ; leaving Lancaster this morning, going to a public dinner at Knaresborough, and riding from Chesterfield. It is a starless, moonless night, but fine, I hope.
—At last, at last, the day is come ! But he won't be here till past 1 at night ; leaving Lancaster this morning, going to a public dinner at Knaresborough, and riding from Chesterfield. It is a starless, moonless night, but fine, I hope.
Michaelmas Day, 1866, Visiting the Locals
HOLKER, Michaelmas Day, 1866.
—Freddy wrote it isn't likely he can come to-morrow. 0 dear ! My tête-à-tête dinner was rather awful. I did a good deal of text. Visited Sarah Carter and Alice Haddatty (the most fearfully dirty, witch-like old woman), Sarah Bradby, Widow Dickinson, at Flookburgh ; Sarah Newby at Cark ; Mrs. Walker, and another Dickinson (Mrs. Birkett's sister) at Quarry Flat. Missed my Fred terribly.
—Freddy wrote it isn't likely he can come to-morrow. 0 dear ! My tête-à-tête dinner was rather awful. I did a good deal of text. Visited Sarah Carter and Alice Haddatty (the most fearfully dirty, witch-like old woman), Sarah Bradby, Widow Dickinson, at Flookburgh ; Sarah Newby at Cark ; Mrs. Walker, and another Dickinson (Mrs. Birkett's sister) at Quarry Flat. Missed my Fred terribly.
28Sep1866, Yeoman Fred
HOLKER, September 28th, 1866.
—One of my black days, my Fred going off to do yeomanry at Lancaster for a week. Such a long day as it felt ! but I am a ridiculous fool to mind so much, especially as he will make a flit back for Sunday.
—One of my black days, my Fred going off to do yeomanry at Lancaster for a week. Such a long day as it felt ! but I am a ridiculous fool to mind so much, especially as he will make a flit back for Sunday.
11Sep1866, £1 Per Word
HOLKER, September 11th, 1866.
—The 2 Atlantic telegraphs are now in perfect order. They charge £1 a word for messages, and yet they pay enormously. While the '65 cable was lying broken at the bottom of the sea, 3 miles deep, natural causes set the electric fluid in motion continually, and fragments of words and incoherent sentences used to be spelt out at the shore-end.
—The 2 Atlantic telegraphs are now in perfect order. They charge £1 a word for messages, and yet they pay enormously. While the '65 cable was lying broken at the bottom of the sea, 3 miles deep, natural causes set the electric fluid in motion continually, and fragments of words and incoherent sentences used to be spelt out at the shore-end.
20Aug1866, Swarms of Grouse Killed
BOLTON, August 20th, 1866.
—Soft rain most of the day, in spite of which we bumped valiantly up to the Roggan House, and saw two drives. The swarms of grouse killed become a perplexity in the disposing of them : 400 brace to-day.
—Soft rain most of the day, in spite of which we bumped valiantly up to the Roggan House, and saw two drives. The swarms of grouse killed become a perplexity in the disposing of them : 400 brace to-day.
Monday, June 01, 2009
10Aug1866, At York For the Show
ESCRICK, August 10th, 1866.
—We went again into York for the Show, as did the Prince and Princess, and saw numbers of fine horses. The hunters jumping a hurdle very good fun. Lord Zetland (who is here) escorted Miss Foljambe and me to York and back in his clarence. He is smitten with Carry, and wants his nephew Mr. Dundas (also here) to make up to her. But the youth looks shyissimus. F. and I deliberately shirked a big Royal ball at York, whither everybody went except us, Lord Macclesfield, Sir Watkin, Sir John Trollope, blind Mr. Foljambe, and one or two other gentlemen whose talk was of fox-hounds. I am glad to hear the Gladstones have left London ; for brave Auntie P. was straining her nerves and strength to the utmost, going almost daily to the London Hospital. The terrible thing spreads fast in London. Young Lord Downe is here, a very handsome, agreeable youth. I should think clever but rather head-turned by his position. Also nice little Lord Ellesmere.
—We went again into York for the Show, as did the Prince and Princess, and saw numbers of fine horses. The hunters jumping a hurdle very good fun. Lord Zetland (who is here) escorted Miss Foljambe and me to York and back in his clarence. He is smitten with Carry, and wants his nephew Mr. Dundas (also here) to make up to her. But the youth looks shyissimus. F. and I deliberately shirked a big Royal ball at York, whither everybody went except us, Lord Macclesfield, Sir Watkin, Sir John Trollope, blind Mr. Foljambe, and one or two other gentlemen whose talk was of fox-hounds. I am glad to hear the Gladstones have left London ; for brave Auntie P. was straining her nerves and strength to the utmost, going almost daily to the London Hospital. The terrible thing spreads fast in London. Young Lord Downe is here, a very handsome, agreeable youth. I should think clever but rather head-turned by his position. Also nice little Lord Ellesmere.
09Aug1866, York Topsy-Turvy for T.R.H.
ESCRICK, [FN: The house of her cousin, Lord Wenlock.], August 9th, 1866.
—We drove to Bishopsthorpe, a dragfull and four, to dinner, to meet the Prince and Princess of Wales, to honour whom all York is turned topsy-turvy. Fifty-four people dined and it was very well done. T.R.H. each talked to me afterwards : the Princess looks lovely, but thin and tired ; I do think we trot her about too much ; the Prince has a good-natured face, improved by beard and whiskers ; but he looks 10 years older than he is, and is likely to smoke himself to death.
—We drove to Bishopsthorpe, a dragfull and four, to dinner, to meet the Prince and Princess of Wales, to honour whom all York is turned topsy-turvy. Fifty-four people dined and it was very well done. T.R.H. each talked to me afterwards : the Princess looks lovely, but thin and tired ; I do think we trot her about too much ; the Prince has a good-natured face, improved by beard and whiskers ; but he looks 10 years older than he is, and is likely to smoke himself to death.
31Jul1866, Slate Quarries
HOLIER, July 31st, 1866.
—We all 3 went to the slate quarries. . . .
The factotum Mr. Eddy made all the quarrying details quite clear to me. I could have wished he had not been pleased to call me Lady Fred!!
—We all 3 went to the slate quarries. . . .
The factotum Mr. Eddy made all the quarrying details quite clear to me. I could have wished he had not been pleased to call me Lady Fred!!
28Jul1866, Transatlantic Telegraph
LONDON, July 28th, 1866.
—The greatest of pacific events (I did not mean a pun, "which it's the Atlantic" besides !) has come to a triumphant conclusion. After 2 failures last year and in '58, the Transatlantic telegraph cable has been successfully laid, and had its shore end landed in America yesterday ; the Great Eastern having done the whole business in . [FN: A blank in MS.] Cyrus Field is the man who has accomplished this.
—The greatest of pacific events (I did not mean a pun, "which it's the Atlantic" besides !) has come to a triumphant conclusion. After 2 failures last year and in '58, the Transatlantic telegraph cable has been successfully laid, and had its shore end landed in America yesterday ; the Great Eastern having done the whole business in . [FN: A blank in MS.] Cyrus Field is the man who has accomplished this.
26Jul1866, Hyde Park Riots
LONDON, July 26th, 1866.
—All London talks about the Hyde Park riots ; and I am put into a violent rage by people's unfairness. To be sure I should state that it is undoubtedly the right of Government to close the Park which is Crown property ; and it would be a pity to make it a usual place for political meetings ; but the present occasion was one of all others for granting the people's wish as a favour. The Trafalgar Sq. meeting the other day was orderly enough to prove that no rioting would have taken place ; and the last Government (in the person of Sir G. Grey) having declared they would not allow the meeting in Hyde Park is a fact that ought to have made the Conservatives take the opposite course. It would have been very open to objection for the Liberals to have allowed what might have been called an agitation to bolster up their own measure ; but nothing could have been more graceful and high-minded than for the Conservatives to have allowed it. Everybody has been blunderpated : the members of the "Reform League" drew off peaceably when they were stopped at the gates, and the row was entirely caused by the riff-raff. The rails are prostrate, coping-stones and all, nearly all the way from Hyde Park Corner to Bayswater ; and the wretched police, enormously outnumbered, are said to have hit savagely. But the accidents are very few ; and on Monday night I believe the flower-beds were carefully kept from harm. Mischief and blackguardism now prevail every evening. Mr. Walpole, the Home Secretary, whose feebleness has caused the whole thing, won the heart of a deputation of Reformers by bursting into tears ! !
—All London talks about the Hyde Park riots ; and I am put into a violent rage by people's unfairness. To be sure I should state that it is undoubtedly the right of Government to close the Park which is Crown property ; and it would be a pity to make it a usual place for political meetings ; but the present occasion was one of all others for granting the people's wish as a favour. The Trafalgar Sq. meeting the other day was orderly enough to prove that no rioting would have taken place ; and the last Government (in the person of Sir G. Grey) having declared they would not allow the meeting in Hyde Park is a fact that ought to have made the Conservatives take the opposite course. It would have been very open to objection for the Liberals to have allowed what might have been called an agitation to bolster up their own measure ; but nothing could have been more graceful and high-minded than for the Conservatives to have allowed it. Everybody has been blunderpated : the members of the "Reform League" drew off peaceably when they were stopped at the gates, and the row was entirely caused by the riff-raff. The rails are prostrate, coping-stones and all, nearly all the way from Hyde Park Corner to Bayswater ; and the wretched police, enormously outnumbered, are said to have hit savagely. But the accidents are very few ; and on Monday night I believe the flower-beds were carefully kept from harm. Mischief and blackguardism now prevail every evening. Mr. Walpole, the Home Secretary, whose feebleness has caused the whole thing, won the heart of a deputation of Reformers by bursting into tears ! !
23Jul1866, We Might As Well Be French
LONDON, July 23rd, 1866.
—I went to a meeting at Stafford House for promoting Saturday half-holydays. Then to see Emma, who was yesterday not at all well, but is all right to-day. The "populace," poor souls, having been goaded all the summer for not making any demonstration in favour of Reform, wished to hold a big meeting in Hyde Park to-day to express such an opinion. In a most un-English fashion the meeting was forbidden, the gates of the park shut at 5, and all the police had to come out to guard them. There was not the smallest pretext for believing there would have been any riot ; but naturally this tyranny produced one among the roughs, who uprooted the rails (probably they were pushed down, being rotten), and remained masters of the field. The Life Guards were called out, which was not done in '48, and which was truly absurd as they did nothing whatever ; and the people dispersed in time after some knocks had been exchanged. We might as well be French authorities, screwing down the safety-valve ! and very nice and high-minded it will read on the Continent. Auntie P. went to the London Hospital to-day, and was dismayed at the number of cholera patients. She went down their ward. A ton of ice a week is used for them. God help them !
—I went to a meeting at Stafford House for promoting Saturday half-holydays. Then to see Emma, who was yesterday not at all well, but is all right to-day. The "populace," poor souls, having been goaded all the summer for not making any demonstration in favour of Reform, wished to hold a big meeting in Hyde Park to-day to express such an opinion. In a most un-English fashion the meeting was forbidden, the gates of the park shut at 5, and all the police had to come out to guard them. There was not the smallest pretext for believing there would have been any riot ; but naturally this tyranny produced one among the roughs, who uprooted the rails (probably they were pushed down, being rotten), and remained masters of the field. The Life Guards were called out, which was not done in '48, and which was truly absurd as they did nothing whatever ; and the people dispersed in time after some knocks had been exchanged. We might as well be French authorities, screwing down the safety-valve ! and very nice and high-minded it will read on the Continent. Auntie P. went to the London Hospital to-day, and was dismayed at the number of cholera patients. She went down their ward. A ton of ice a week is used for them. God help them !
Sunday, May 24, 2009
21Jul1866, Reading "Sir Charles Gradison"
THE COPPICE, July 21st, 1866.
—Sir R. [FN: Sir Robert Phillimore, whose house The Coppice was.], to please me, spouted after dinner the beginning of "Sir Charles Gradison" ; I was amused with it beyond measure. Unless the book is the grossest exaggeration, what a state of society it was 100 years ago ! On the one hand, to be sure, there was dignity, stately courtesy, manners finished to a point that must have made them a study in themselves ; but oh dear ! on the other hand, what uselessness and wordy frivolity and unconscious coarseness in the women, and what tinsel and sham and depth of vice in the gold-laced men !
—Sir R. [FN: Sir Robert Phillimore, whose house The Coppice was.], to please me, spouted after dinner the beginning of "Sir Charles Gradison" ; I was amused with it beyond measure. Unless the book is the grossest exaggeration, what a state of society it was 100 years ago ! On the one hand, to be sure, there was dignity, stately courtesy, manners finished to a point that must have made them a study in themselves ; but oh dear ! on the other hand, what uselessness and wordy frivolity and unconscious coarseness in the women, and what tinsel and sham and depth of vice in the gold-laced men !
20Jul1866, Lou is Perching !
17Jul1866, The Annual Bore
LONDON, July 17th, 1866.
—To the House, where the annual bore about Ballot was up, followed by Mill standing up for women-suffrage.
—To the House, where the annual bore about Ballot was up, followed by Mill standing up for women-suffrage.
16Jul1866, A Regular At Home Going On
LONDON, July 16th, 1866.
—F. having his Cornmitteeums, I went to luncheon at the Houghtons, and to my horror found a regular At Home going on, and had to plunge into French to make myself agreeable to a Portuguese Comte and Comtesse and Prince Borghese. Manning was there, and I am rather proud of having "had speech" of him ; though it was strictly confined to the weather. He has a fine, intellectual, bald head, and a handsome, ascetic, mournful countenance.
—F. having his Cornmitteeums, I went to luncheon at the Houghtons, and to my horror found a regular At Home going on, and had to plunge into French to make myself agreeable to a Portuguese Comte and Comtesse and Prince Borghese. Manning was there, and I am rather proud of having "had speech" of him ; though it was strictly confined to the weather. He has a fine, intellectual, bald head, and a handsome, ascetic, mournful countenance.
15Jul1866, Meriel Talbot, A Stalwart Child
LONDON, July 15th, 1866.
—We went to Christ Church in our smart clothes (F. in his wedding frock-coat !) for the christening of darling "Meriel Lucy Talbot," [FN: Now Dame Meriel Talbot.] who behaved and looked like an angel : F. godfather, to my great delight ; only my longings for a baby of our own were a little intensified by the proceedings. I took up little Meriel to her godfather for a kiss, which he administered with much precaution near the eyebrow. He gave her a fine Bible and Prayer Book in one, which, if she is a stalwart child, she may be able to lift in 10 years' time. After tea we walked to D. House and refreshed ourselves with nectarines.
—We went to Christ Church in our smart clothes (F. in his wedding frock-coat !) for the christening of darling "Meriel Lucy Talbot," [FN: Now Dame Meriel Talbot.] who behaved and looked like an angel : F. godfather, to my great delight ; only my longings for a baby of our own were a little intensified by the proceedings. I took up little Meriel to her godfather for a kiss, which he administered with much precaution near the eyebrow. He gave her a fine Bible and Prayer Book in one, which, if she is a stalwart child, she may be able to lift in 10 years' time. After tea we walked to D. House and refreshed ourselves with nectarines.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
12Jul1866, Picnicky Little Business
LONDON, July 12th, 1866.
- I had a real treat and refreshment after luncheon : driving to Pembroke Lodge [FN: In Richmond Park, lent by the Queen to Lord Russell.] with my Fred (in a ducal brougham too, so as to relieve our minds of our much put-upon horse) to a picnicky little business there. The glorious green summer beauty and sweetness of everything was delightful ; and took away the cockney cloud of hot street atmosphere. Ld. Russell appeared, much hidden by an enormous white beaver hat : he looked extremely placid and light-hearted, and cracked some little jokes. I believe he has got over the defeat now.
- I had a real treat and refreshment after luncheon : driving to Pembroke Lodge [FN: In Richmond Park, lent by the Queen to Lord Russell.] with my Fred (in a ducal brougham too, so as to relieve our minds of our much put-upon horse) to a picnicky little business there. The glorious green summer beauty and sweetness of everything was delightful ; and took away the cockney cloud of hot street atmosphere. Ld. Russell appeared, much hidden by an enormous white beaver hat : he looked extremely placid and light-hearted, and cracked some little jokes. I believe he has got over the defeat now.
09Jul1866, Lansdowne Dies Suddenly
LONDON, July 9th, 1866.
—Ld. Lansdowne died suddenly the other day, being seized one night with a stroke while playing at cards, at White's : she was sent for, and getting home and finding him speechless, in her agony tore off her necklace, so that the pearls were found scattered over the floor. They were to have given a party the same day, and we had just got a card for it.
—Ld. Lansdowne died suddenly the other day, being seized one night with a stroke while playing at cards, at White's : she was sent for, and getting home and finding him speechless, in her agony tore off her necklace, so that the pearls were found scattered over the floor. They were to have given a party the same day, and we had just got a card for it.
08Jul1866, Equally Bad For All
H.M.S. VICTORY, July 8th, 1866.
—The Service on board would be as nice and hearty as possible, if the Chaplain was not terribly dull and inefficient, preaching a sermon that would have done for Dukes, or undergraduates, or labourers, or anybody ; and been equally bad for all.
—The Service on board would be as nice and hearty as possible, if the Chaplain was not terribly dull and inefficient, preaching a sermon that would have done for Dukes, or undergraduates, or labourers, or anybody ; and been equally bad for all.
06Jul1866, On Board the Victory
H.M.S. VICTORY,[FN: Where she was the guest of her sister-in-law Lady Louisa Egerton, wife of Captain Egerton.] July 6th, 1866.
—The 4 a.m. gun is a startling event, and made me jump. We went with Frank early to see the Block machinery, which delighted me ; also on board a hideous splay-shaped monster called the Royal Sovereign, one of the turret ships. Her luckless turret has been a good deal smashed by experiments with a 12-ton gun. But the Captain (Herbert) showed off the wounds with more pride than grief, being over the moon at the steel plates having been only smashed, not cracked. Afterwards we went (all of us) by train to Southampton, and were a good deal impressed and bewildered by information about Ordnance Survey maps ; and were shown a mysterious process, half-photography, half-engraving, called zincography, lately invented.
—The 4 a.m. gun is a startling event, and made me jump. We went with Frank early to see the Block machinery, which delighted me ; also on board a hideous splay-shaped monster called the Royal Sovereign, one of the turret ships. Her luckless turret has been a good deal smashed by experiments with a 12-ton gun. But the Captain (Herbert) showed off the wounds with more pride than grief, being over the moon at the steel plates having been only smashed, not cracked. Afterwards we went (all of us) by train to Southampton, and were a good deal impressed and bewildered by information about Ordnance Survey maps ; and were shown a mysterious process, half-photography, half-engraving, called zincography, lately invented.
05Jul1866, Some Civilities for the King of the Belgians
LONDON, Thursday, July 5th, 1866.
—I drove with Emma. Atie. P. begged for a lift to M. Van de Weyer's, wishing to set some civilities on foot for the King of the Belgians, who has come for Pss. Helena's marriage, and is not only quartered at an hotel, which is the poor Queen's way now, but left without even a Royal carriage.
—I drove with Emma. Atie. P. begged for a lift to M. Van de Weyer's, wishing to set some civilities on foot for the King of the Belgians, who has come for Pss. Helena's marriage, and is not only quartered at an hotel, which is the poor Queen's way now, but left without even a Royal carriage.
04Jul1866, Big Party at D. House
LONDON, July 4th, 1866.
—Big party at D. House: I chaperoned Mary Wortley and Charlotte Farquhar ! We dined there ; Cavendish pretended to weep over his fall : I am very cross at it ; for he was doing his duty famously, as all sides say more or less.
—Big party at D. House: I chaperoned Mary Wortley and Charlotte Farquhar ! We dined there ; Cavendish pretended to weep over his fall : I am very cross at it ; for he was doing his duty famously, as all sides say more or less.
02Jul1866, Prince of Wales Knocked Over
LONDON, July 2nd, 1866.
—We rode. A runaway man and horse, we heard, came full tilt against the Prince of Wales, who was riding with the Princess and the Queen of the Belgians, and knocked him clean over, horse and all. He rode home, and dined out this evening ; so I suppose he is not much hurt, but it seems hardly possible. We dined at Ly. Newburgh's (?) meeting the Duke, the Cokes, a little Prince Borghese, Ld. Clanwilliam, Count Pahlen, and the Duchess of Buccleuch . It was too swell ! and rather silent. Afterwards to Ly. Welby-Gregory.
—We rode. A runaway man and horse, we heard, came full tilt against the Prince of Wales, who was riding with the Princess and the Queen of the Belgians, and knocked him clean over, horse and all. He rode home, and dined out this evening ; so I suppose he is not much hurt, but it seems hardly possible. We dined at Ly. Newburgh's (?) meeting the Duke, the Cokes, a little Prince Borghese, Ld. Clanwilliam, Count Pahlen, and the Duchess of Buccleuch . It was too swell ! and rather silent. Afterwards to Ly. Welby-Gregory.
01Jul1866, Fred Visits the Paupers
LONDON, July 1st, 1866.
—I took Fred to see the poor old paupers, to their great delight.
—I took Fred to see the poor old paupers, to their great delight.
30Jun1866, Never Go There Again
LONDON, June 30th, 1866.
—I took Agnes to a party at Ly. Derby's, and fervently resolved never to go there again, such were the stick-in-the-mud arrangements of the comings and goings.
—I took Agnes to a party at Ly. Derby's, and fervently resolved never to go there again, such were the stick-in-the-mud arrangements of the comings and goings.
29Jun1866, The Times Makes A Rumpus
LONDON, June 29th, 1866.
—The Times makes a rumpus about the cheers and groans of "the mob" and Auntie P. coming out to them on the balcony the other night. Who could resist it, if they were cheering one's husband, and one knew he deserved it !
—The Times makes a rumpus about the cheers and groans of "the mob" and Auntie P. coming out to them on the balcony the other night. Who could resist it, if they were cheering one's husband, and one knew he deserved it !
27Jun1866, Uncle W. and Auntie P. are Cheered
LONDON, June 27th, 1866.
—We had a great excitement, hearing a continuous roar of cheers, beginning at Trafalgar Square, where a meeting has been going on, culminating in front of No. 11, where a good crowd collected to cheer Uncle W., who was dining out ; I drove, and went to Stratton St., where Granny was entertaining her great-grandchildren, helped very pleasantly by Harry Lyttelton, who seems to have much that is nice about him : is more like his mother, to look at and to listen to, than ever. Auntie P. came out on the balcony, with the girls, and bowed to the crowd.
—We had a great excitement, hearing a continuous roar of cheers, beginning at Trafalgar Square, where a meeting has been going on, culminating in front of No. 11, where a good crowd collected to cheer Uncle W., who was dining out ; I drove, and went to Stratton St., where Granny was entertaining her great-grandchildren, helped very pleasantly by Harry Lyttelton, who seems to have much that is nice about him : is more like his mother, to look at and to listen to, than ever. Auntie P. came out on the balcony, with the girls, and bowed to the crowd.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
26Jun1866, The Liberal Ministry Has Resigned
LONDON, June 26th, 1866.
—The Liberal Ministry has resigned ; and now we shall see what sort of hash the Tories will make of things. Their Adullamite majority will give them more terror and trouble than it is worth, or very possibly won't work with them at all. The war on the Continent is regularly afoot, and poor Italy has been badly beaten. The nice young Prince de Condé, who danced with me at Charles' coming of age, has died in Australia of typhus. Poor Auntie P. came to see me this morning, more miserable and taken out of than I have often seen her. Freddy and a good luncheon set her up a little again ! and then to-night, when the House was up, Uncle William was well cheered by a crowd in Palace Yard.
—The Liberal Ministry has resigned ; and now we shall see what sort of hash the Tories will make of things. Their Adullamite majority will give them more terror and trouble than it is worth, or very possibly won't work with them at all. The war on the Continent is regularly afoot, and poor Italy has been badly beaten. The nice young Prince de Condé, who danced with me at Charles' coming of age, has died in Australia of typhus. Poor Auntie P. came to see me this morning, more miserable and taken out of than I have often seen her. Freddy and a good luncheon set her up a little again ! and then to-night, when the House was up, Uncle William was well cheered by a crowd in Palace Yard.
25Jun1866, Universal Complaint
LONDON, June 25th, 1866.
—We left Latimer early, and I went to the Ladies' Association Service at St. James', where the Bishop of London preached very earnestly, and we all received the Holy Communion together. . . .
The poor Queen's terrible fault in remaining (or indeed being) at Balmoral has given rise to universal complaint, and much foul-mouthed gossip. She is travelling up to-night.
—We left Latimer early, and I went to the Ladies' Association Service at St. James', where the Bishop of London preached very earnestly, and we all received the Holy Communion together. . . .
The poor Queen's terrible fault in remaining (or indeed being) at Balmoral has given rise to universal complaint, and much foul-mouthed gossip. She is travelling up to-night.
22Jun1866, The Queen is to Blame
LONDON, June 22nd, 1866.
—The Queen is seriously to blame for staying at Balmoral till Monday ; nothing can be settled without her presence, and rumours run wild : resignation, dissolution, and a vote of confidence being all on the cards.
—The Queen is seriously to blame for staying at Balmoral till Monday ; nothing can be settled without her presence, and rumours run wild : resignation, dissolution, and a vote of confidence being all on the cards.
19Jun1866, The Fate of the Bill
LONDON, June 19th, 1866.
—Government beaten last night by 11 ; and I have really felt unhappy all day at the fate of the poor Bill which is like a child dying of the chickenpox after it has got through measles, scarlet-fever, and whooping-cough. The Queen unluckily at Balmoral, so nothing was done to-day but an adjournment till Monday ; and nobody knows if a resignation or a dissolution will be the upshot. The defeat is caused by horrid Adullamites.
Little George [FN: George Talbot, now Mr. Justice Talbot.] 5 to-day ; I gave him a carpenter's box. I went to Lord's to see the Oxford and Cambridge match which we lost by 14 after a good fight ; a grim day, altogether ! We dined en famille at D. House where there was afterwards a big drum. It was got up partly as a proper civility for the Secretary of War [FN: Lord Hartington had just entered the Cabinet as Secretary at War.]; and under the circumstances felt rather like inviting people to see Cinderella after 12 had struck !
—Government beaten last night by 11 ; and I have really felt unhappy all day at the fate of the poor Bill which is like a child dying of the chickenpox after it has got through measles, scarlet-fever, and whooping-cough. The Queen unluckily at Balmoral, so nothing was done to-day but an adjournment till Monday ; and nobody knows if a resignation or a dissolution will be the upshot. The defeat is caused by horrid Adullamites.
Little George [FN: George Talbot, now Mr. Justice Talbot.] 5 to-day ; I gave him a carpenter's box. I went to Lord's to see the Oxford and Cambridge match which we lost by 14 after a good fight ; a grim day, altogether ! We dined en famille at D. House where there was afterwards a big drum. It was got up partly as a proper civility for the Secretary of War [FN: Lord Hartington had just entered the Cabinet as Secretary at War.]; and under the circumstances felt rather like inviting people to see Cinderella after 12 had struck !
Monday, May 18, 2009
14Jun1866, That Person... Bright!!
LONDON, June 14th, 1866.
—Dined with the Amberleys, meeting only one person, and that person . . . Bright ! ! (Oh that one could become a Boswell now and then !) He was very agreeable, but only upon the one topic of politics, having little to say, for instance, when we started the new question of the establishment of central pauper infirmaries, instead of the present wretched system for the sick. He was certainly as violent and one-sided in his execration of Tories as any of them say ; and said of the Adullamites that he hopes not one will ever be re-elected by their constituencies. He spoke of the Bill for allowing real property to be divided among the children in cases of intestacy ; and said that the present tendency to accumulate land in few hands would lead to compulsory and equal subdivision (of which he said he disapproved) by the force of a strong reaction. He defended the Ballot ; but I could not understand. I was struck by his ease, and unaffected, simple manner. Afterwards I went to the House and saw a riotous but very victorious division upon a concession of Uncle W.'s. A letter telling Bright of this concession came to him at dinner and made him angry. He spoke against it in the House, and wouldn't vote, whereat the Opposition cheered derisively. F. didn't vote.
—Dined with the Amberleys, meeting only one person, and that person . . . Bright ! ! (Oh that one could become a Boswell now and then !) He was very agreeable, but only upon the one topic of politics, having little to say, for instance, when we started the new question of the establishment of central pauper infirmaries, instead of the present wretched system for the sick. He was certainly as violent and one-sided in his execration of Tories as any of them say ; and said of the Adullamites that he hopes not one will ever be re-elected by their constituencies. He spoke of the Bill for allowing real property to be divided among the children in cases of intestacy ; and said that the present tendency to accumulate land in few hands would lead to compulsory and equal subdivision (of which he said he disapproved) by the force of a strong reaction. He defended the Ballot ; but I could not understand. I was struck by his ease, and unaffected, simple manner. Afterwards I went to the House and saw a riotous but very victorious division upon a concession of Uncle W.'s. A letter telling Bright of this concession came to him at dinner and made him angry. He spoke against it in the House, and wouldn't vote, whereat the Opposition cheered derisively. F. didn't vote.
12Jun1866, Prince Alfred Very Short
LONDON, June 12th, 1866.
—We dined at the Gladstones', meeting Falmouths, Wharncliffes, Amberleys, Count Strilezecki, the Duke, and Uncle Dick. Afterwards a little tail. Ball at Lady Blantyre's. The Duchess of Manchester there, looking rather ill and more middle-aged. Prince Alfred (who has just been created Duke of Edinburgh—a funny title) was there, looking somewhat handsome, but very short.
—We dined at the Gladstones', meeting Falmouths, Wharncliffes, Amberleys, Count Strilezecki, the Duke, and Uncle Dick. Afterwards a little tail. Ball at Lady Blantyre's. The Duchess of Manchester there, looking rather ill and more middle-aged. Prince Alfred (who has just been created Duke of Edinburgh—a funny title) was there, looking somewhat handsome, but very short.
11Jun1866, The Bakers of Africa
LONDON, June 11th, 1866.
—I went to Ly. Amberly's, and saw the famous Bakers who have been in the depths of Africa. He dismayed me by the description he gave of the hopeless materialism and brutality of the people, who are without any religion, sense of duty, or even natural affection.
—I went to Ly. Amberly's, and saw the famous Bakers who have been in the depths of Africa. He dismayed me by the description he gave of the hopeless materialism and brutality of the people, who are without any religion, sense of duty, or even natural affection.
05Jun1866, Rather Bored at the Ball
LONDON, June 5th, 1866.
—We dined cosily in, Stratton St., going afterwards with Aunt Coquitty to hear Mr. Brookfield read "Hamlet," which he did very well, especially the comedy parts. Queen's Ball, where we were rather bored ; Ld. Sefton was there with his bride-elect, and Ld. Brecknock with his ; neither very pretty, if I was right in shooting them. Princess of Wales looked lovely, though thin ; the Prince's looks are improved by an advancing yellow beard.
—We dined cosily in, Stratton St., going afterwards with Aunt Coquitty to hear Mr. Brookfield read "Hamlet," which he did very well, especially the comedy parts. Queen's Ball, where we were rather bored ; Ld. Sefton was there with his bride-elect, and Ld. Brecknock with his ; neither very pretty, if I was right in shooting them. Princess of Wales looked lovely, though thin ; the Prince's looks are improved by an advancing yellow beard.
03Jun1866, Read Some Old Letters
CHISLEHURST [FN: Lord Richard Cavendish's house.], June 3rd, 1866.
—After 2nd church, we walked on to the Common, and sat there some time, listening to birds and chiming bells. I read some of the old letters to F. He says it is curious to be hearing about his mother from his wife ; I do like that. After dinner, I sat alone in the garden ; and read a fine sermon of Robertson's, on God's Revelation of Heaven. The other two came out too. It was very delicious.
—After 2nd church, we walked on to the Common, and sat there some time, listening to birds and chiming bells. I read some of the old letters to F. He says it is curious to be hearing about his mother from his wife ; I do like that. After dinner, I sat alone in the garden ; and read a fine sermon of Robertson's, on God's Revelation of Heaven. The other two came out too. It was very delicious.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
31May1866, Treason in the Liberal Camp
LONDON, May 31st, 1866.
—The Conservatives have been and gone and done it to-day ! for they have been supporting a proposal for an educational franchise versus the modest Government rental one for no other conceivable purpose than to defeat Government : if they had divided and won they would have had to come in pledged to a franchise that points straight to universal suffrage ! Bright is not such a Radical ! his ideal being household suffrage ; and he made a conservative speech opposing this. I suppose Uncle Wm. is wanting in tact ; for there is treason through the camp ; and the oddest fermentations and combinations of parties against him.
—The Conservatives have been and gone and done it to-day ! for they have been supporting a proposal for an educational franchise versus the modest Government rental one for no other conceivable purpose than to defeat Government : if they had divided and won they would have had to come in pledged to a franchise that points straight to universal suffrage ! Bright is not such a Radical ! his ideal being household suffrage ; and he made a conservative speech opposing this. I suppose Uncle Wm. is wanting in tact ; for there is treason through the camp ; and the oddest fermentations and combinations of parties against him.
27May1866, Remembering 1st Communion
CHATSWORTH, May 27th, 1866. Trinity Sunday.
—The anniversary Sunday of my 1st Communion. It was sad not to find it administered to-day. I remember that happy, blessed Trinity Sunday so vividly ; and grieve to think how fresh and pure and strong my feelings were then to what they are now, on the greatest things. The happiness of my married life is such an absorbing happiness ! I fear it binds me round more closely than it ought ; it is difficult in heart and mind to ascend, when I have such great treasure on earth. God grant us to love Him above all things.
—The anniversary Sunday of my 1st Communion. It was sad not to find it administered to-day. I remember that happy, blessed Trinity Sunday so vividly ; and grieve to think how fresh and pure and strong my feelings were then to what they are now, on the greatest things. The happiness of my married life is such an absorbing happiness ! I fear it binds me round more closely than it ought ; it is difficult in heart and mind to ascend, when I have such great treasure on earth. God grant us to love Him above all things.
21May1866, Blue With Hyacinths
HAGLEY, May 21st, 1866.
—We walked to Wychberry wood, which was blue with hyacinths, up to the obelisk and home by the Birmingham approach. All the place is decked out in every shade of green, and is radiant.
—We walked to Wychberry wood, which was blue with hyacinths, up to the obelisk and home by the Birmingham approach. All the place is decked out in every shade of green, and is radiant.
20May1866, Heart Happiness
HAGLEY, May 20th, 1866.
—The services very nice. The beautiful "Veni Creator" carried me back to '64 especially. After church we sat for a little on the octagon bench as we did then ; the same glorious springtime ; the same heart-happiness, and yet a very different one. We walked with Papa through the park and up Clent Hill.
—The services very nice. The beautiful "Veni Creator" carried me back to '64 especially. After church we sat for a little on the octagon bench as we did then ; the same glorious springtime ; the same heart-happiness, and yet a very different one. We walked with Papa through the park and up Clent Hill.
16May1866, Milman, Fawcett, Ecce Homo
LONDON, May 16th, 1866.
—The poor Westminster bank where all Meriel's kitchen money and other charities bank, has shut up like the others. . . .
We dined at Ld. Taunton's, meeting Dean Milman and Mr. Fawcett. The latter very agreeable, only rather too talkative for a young M.P. He seems to take his blindness very cheerfully. The new book which is making the most wonderful noise, and of which nobody knows the author—"Ecce Homo"—was discussed. It has been put down to all the notable writers of the day, pretty nearly. People differ widely about it ; some thinking it most pernicious, aiming at undermining belief in the Divinity of our Lord ; others thinking it noble, and likely to build people up in the Faith. Papa and Uncle Wm. are of the latter opinion : I long to read it but the Talbots dissuade me. Mr. Fawcett held forth against the Bank Act ; and against Uncle Wm.'s plan of paying off the National Debt, which he considers no better than the old sinking fund. There is much talk of our coal ceasing to pay for the expense of getting it, in 3 generations !
—The poor Westminster bank where all Meriel's kitchen money and other charities bank, has shut up like the others. . . .
We dined at Ld. Taunton's, meeting Dean Milman and Mr. Fawcett. The latter very agreeable, only rather too talkative for a young M.P. He seems to take his blindness very cheerfully. The new book which is making the most wonderful noise, and of which nobody knows the author—"Ecce Homo"—was discussed. It has been put down to all the notable writers of the day, pretty nearly. People differ widely about it ; some thinking it most pernicious, aiming at undermining belief in the Divinity of our Lord ; others thinking it noble, and likely to build people up in the Faith. Papa and Uncle Wm. are of the latter opinion : I long to read it but the Talbots dissuade me. Mr. Fawcett held forth against the Bank Act ; and against Uncle Wm.'s plan of paying off the National Debt, which he considers no better than the old sinking fund. There is much talk of our coal ceasing to pay for the expense of getting it, in 3 generations !
15May1866, Lord Overstone Against All Charities
DIARY, MAY 1866—JUNE 1868
LONDON, May 15th, 1866.
—We dined at the Loyd Lindsays [FN: Afterwards Lord and Lady Wantage. Lady Wantage, who inherited Lord Overstone's fortune, had certainly no "monomania against charities."]. I sat next Ld. Overstone, who put me into a rage by crowing over his sagacity in snubbing begging-letters. He is choked up with money, and has a monomania against all charities.
LONDON, May 15th, 1866.
—We dined at the Loyd Lindsays [FN: Afterwards Lord and Lady Wantage. Lady Wantage, who inherited Lord Overstone's fortune, had certainly no "monomania against charities."]. I sat next Ld. Overstone, who put me into a rage by crowing over his sagacity in snubbing begging-letters. He is choked up with money, and has a monomania against all charities.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
12May1866, Lou Lives on the Victory
H.M.S. VICTORY, May 12th, 1866.
—We had the fun of coming with the D. to see Lou and Frank on board their harbour ship—the old original Victory, with the brass plate marking where Nelson fell ; but not much of the actual old ship left. She has never made a voyage since Trafalgar. Lou has made her fine big cabin look charming with wedding presents and Hatchford flowers ; and we are delightfully lodged in a ridiculous little corner where F. marches about ducking like a goose under a barn door. Certain naval and marine persons dined. There is a mysterious little urn on the dining-room chimney piece, which I suggest contains Nelson's ashes.
End of Volume I.
—We had the fun of coming with the D. to see Lou and Frank on board their harbour ship—the old original Victory, with the brass plate marking where Nelson fell ; but not much of the actual old ship left. She has never made a voyage since Trafalgar. Lou has made her fine big cabin look charming with wedding presents and Hatchford flowers ; and we are delightfully lodged in a ridiculous little corner where F. marches about ducking like a goose under a barn door. Certain naval and marine persons dined. There is a mysterious little urn on the dining-room chimney piece, which I suggest contains Nelson's ashes.
End of Volume I.
28Apr1866, Speeches on the Reform Bill
LONDON, April 28th, 1866.
—Fred came to bed at ¼ to 5 in the morning, announcing a majority of 5 for the 2nd reading. One didn't expect more. It is impossible, I suppose, for the poor Bill to survive Committee and pass the Lords. Dizzy spoke for near 3 hours, and was dull, they say, wishing to exhaust the House ! as he well might, the atmosphere being frightful in the heat of the weather. Uncle W. got up at one, and spoke for 2 hours, magnificently, so as to poke up great enthusiasm even at that time of night, and after the endless debates. He was dead tired all day. F. had tea at No. 11, and said he seemed strung up and excited, and indignant with Dizzy, who had sent Uncle W. word he meant to speak 1 hour and then spoke 3. Uncle W. said (N.B. not in the House !) that Dizzy had generosity and temper, but was hopelessly false.
—Fred came to bed at ¼ to 5 in the morning, announcing a majority of 5 for the 2nd reading. One didn't expect more. It is impossible, I suppose, for the poor Bill to survive Committee and pass the Lords. Dizzy spoke for near 3 hours, and was dull, they say, wishing to exhaust the House ! as he well might, the atmosphere being frightful in the heat of the weather. Uncle W. got up at one, and spoke for 2 hours, magnificently, so as to poke up great enthusiasm even at that time of night, and after the endless debates. He was dead tired all day. F. had tea at No. 11, and said he seemed strung up and excited, and indignant with Dizzy, who had sent Uncle W. word he meant to speak 1 hour and then spoke 3. Uncle W. said (N.B. not in the House !) that Dizzy had generosity and temper, but was hopelessly false.
19Apr1866, The Longleys at Lambeth
LONDON, April 19th, 1866.
—I drove with old M. to Campden Hill, and to call on the Longleys [FN: The Archbishop of Canterbury was then Archbishop Longley (1862-8).] at glorious old Lambeth which I never saw before. It seemed to take one "above the smoke and stir of this dim spot," which indeed is in a stir just now.
—I drove with old M. to Campden Hill, and to call on the Longleys [FN: The Archbishop of Canterbury was then Archbishop Longley (1862-8).] at glorious old Lambeth which I never saw before. It seemed to take one "above the smoke and stir of this dim spot," which indeed is in a stir just now.
18Apr1866, Whigs and Tories Inter-marry?
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?"
—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?"
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 !
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