LONDON, May 4th, 1867.
—Emma came in the morning, with lovely Chatsworth flowers, and went to the workhouse with me. She saw an old man who had been a smart gardener, and knew all the flowers' Latin names, and said "Oh, Paxton's [FN: Sir Joseph Paxton, who designed the Crystal Palace, had been superintendent of the gardens at Chatsworth.] place !" when she mentioned Chatsworth.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
29Apr1867, Cavendish Donates
20Apr1867, Easter at Hagley
HAGLEY, April 20th, 1867, Easter Eve.
—This peaceful day is always a little spoilt here by the necessity of working pretty hard at decorations. I should like to spend it almost alone, in some deep country stillness, and make myself feel as if cares and pleasures alike were suspended, and the "Land very, far off" were close at hand. Oh, if one could make these thoughts of Christ become real communion with Him !
—This peaceful day is always a little spoilt here by the necessity of working pretty hard at decorations. I should like to spend it almost alone, in some deep country stillness, and make myself feel as if cares and pleasures alike were suspended, and the "Land very, far off" were close at hand. Oh, if one could make these thoughts of Christ become real communion with Him !
13Apr1867, The Last of the Whigs
LONDON, April 13th, 1867.
—We went to No. 11. She told us she had never seen him so knocked down : that he could hardly speak when he got home. The so-called Liberals whose desertion was the cause of the defeat are 43 ; but only 2 or 3 are good, thorough Liberals. The others are Whigs and Adullamites, and people with all sorts of mean alarms about their constituents. It is the last of the Whigs as a party, and I am inclined to be glad of that. I am not such a blue political woman as might seem to be the case ! but it is proper to put down what one can of a time like this. Most willingly do I fly into dear old Hagley's loving arms.
—We went to No. 11. She told us she had never seen him so knocked down : that he could hardly speak when he got home. The so-called Liberals whose desertion was the cause of the defeat are 43 ; but only 2 or 3 are good, thorough Liberals. The others are Whigs and Adullamites, and people with all sorts of mean alarms about their constituents. It is the last of the Whigs as a party, and I am inclined to be glad of that. I am not such a blue political woman as might seem to be the case ! but it is proper to put down what one can of a time like this. Most willingly do I fly into dear old Hagley's loving arms.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
12Apr1867, Breakup of the Liberal Party
LONDON, April 12th, 1867.
—The downfall and breakup of the Liberal party is the miserable event of to-day. The debate [FN: On Mr. Gladstone's Amendment to Disraeli's Reform Bill.] lasted till 2. It was unsatisfactory and lukewarm throughout. The speeches on both sides were most of them disappointing. Bright, even, was rather laboured and constrained till the end of his speech when he made a fine appeal to the honest feeling of the House. Unhappily there is no such thing, except in a small minority. Dizzy I thought most inconclusive, though cunning enough. Mr. Hardy spoke vigorously and appeared in earnest, but it is in a sense entirely new to him. Mr. Forster was striking, downright and manly, which did one good. When Uncle William got up, he knew the game was up ; but I am not sure that his speech was not all the grander. He began (in answer to a wretched taunt of Dizzy's that he (Uncle W.) was to be taken as distinct from his party) by claiming to be their chosen spokesman and refusing to be dissociated from them ; so making a tacit appeal to the traitors in the camp. He was very striking throughout his speech, and contrasted more forcibly than I can say, in his strong, earnest conviction, with the wiles of his foe whom he followed. We had all been deceived, and had no notion that defeat was probable, dreading only a small majority ; but as the members were pouring out of the House and back again, something made our hearts fail. Poor Auntie Pussy turned white to her very lips as the tellers came in, or even a little before. Then we saw a horrid quiver of delight run through the Government side, and heard a subdued clapping, as 2 or 3 members rushed up to look at the numbers. We gave it up then ; and it was only a finishing stroke when the words came "The Ayes to the right, 289 ; the Noes to the left, 310." But it is a heart-break. We came home hardly knowing what we were about. When I saw Freddy I had a regular cry ; and he was even more cut-up than I was, knowing more fully the rotten state of things it reveals, and the greatness of the defeat.
—The downfall and breakup of the Liberal party is the miserable event of to-day. The debate [FN: On Mr. Gladstone's Amendment to Disraeli's Reform Bill.] lasted till 2. It was unsatisfactory and lukewarm throughout. The speeches on both sides were most of them disappointing. Bright, even, was rather laboured and constrained till the end of his speech when he made a fine appeal to the honest feeling of the House. Unhappily there is no such thing, except in a small minority. Dizzy I thought most inconclusive, though cunning enough. Mr. Hardy spoke vigorously and appeared in earnest, but it is in a sense entirely new to him. Mr. Forster was striking, downright and manly, which did one good. When Uncle William got up, he knew the game was up ; but I am not sure that his speech was not all the grander. He began (in answer to a wretched taunt of Dizzy's that he (Uncle W.) was to be taken as distinct from his party) by claiming to be their chosen spokesman and refusing to be dissociated from them ; so making a tacit appeal to the traitors in the camp. He was very striking throughout his speech, and contrasted more forcibly than I can say, in his strong, earnest conviction, with the wiles of his foe whom he followed. We had all been deceived, and had no notion that defeat was probable, dreading only a small majority ; but as the members were pouring out of the House and back again, something made our hearts fail. Poor Auntie Pussy turned white to her very lips as the tellers came in, or even a little before. Then we saw a horrid quiver of delight run through the Government side, and heard a subdued clapping, as 2 or 3 members rushed up to look at the numbers. We gave it up then ; and it was only a finishing stroke when the words came "The Ayes to the right, 289 ; the Noes to the left, 310." But it is a heart-break. We came home hardly knowing what we were about. When I saw Freddy I had a regular cry ; and he was even more cut-up than I was, knowing more fully the rotten state of things it reveals, and the greatness of the defeat.
10Apr1867, Countess Carlisle's Children
LONDON, April 10th, 1867.
—Went to see Rosalind, who is still very weak ; her little Mary [FN: Now Lady Mary Murray, wife of Professor Gilbert Murray.] the prettiest darling ; the baby an ugly fellow, but very thriving.
—Went to see Rosalind, who is still very weak ; her little Mary [FN: Now Lady Mary Murray, wife of Professor Gilbert Murray.] the prettiest darling ; the baby an ugly fellow, but very thriving.
06Apr1867, A Fine Dinner
LONDON, April 6th, 1867.
—We dined at the Cardwells', meeting Ly. Waterford, no longer young, whose looks grievously disappointed me, till she rose up and walked across the room—a very Queen !—Argylls, Mr. Milner Gibson, Dean Stanleys, and the Gladstones; he took me down and was delightful, and in great force. We amused him largely with what I heard the other day ; that he and Dean Stanley, who were at a private school together, were reported to their respective fathers as dolts in the matter of arithmetic ! ! I believe it is still true of the Dean ; Uncle W. said himself he never took to it till he had worked hard at mathematics, to which also he had a dislike at first, but which his father urged him into.
—We dined at the Cardwells', meeting Ly. Waterford, no longer young, whose looks grievously disappointed me, till she rose up and walked across the room—a very Queen !—Argylls, Mr. Milner Gibson, Dean Stanleys, and the Gladstones; he took me down and was delightful, and in great force. We amused him largely with what I heard the other day ; that he and Dean Stanley, who were at a private school together, were reported to their respective fathers as dolts in the matter of arithmetic ! ! I believe it is still true of the Dean ; Uncle W. said himself he never took to it till he had worked hard at mathematics, to which also he had a dislike at first, but which his father urged him into.
05Apr1867, Uncle Wm. on Suffrage
LONDON, April 5th, 1867.
—Uncle W. . . . will unmake and remake the Bill, . . . letting the Conservatives get the credit of it ! It is refreshing to hear that the good country Tories are enraged with Dizzy, and don't take kindly to their new war-cry of Household Suffrage. "The Liberals have a deal of hypocrisy, ultra-Toryism, and self-seeking among them," said Uncle W., "or they wouldn't be such faint friends to their cause, such cowards upon the question, and so taken up with little personal alarms and affronts."
—Uncle W. . . . will unmake and remake the Bill, . . . letting the Conservatives get the credit of it ! It is refreshing to hear that the good country Tories are enraged with Dizzy, and don't take kindly to their new war-cry of Household Suffrage. "The Liberals have a deal of hypocrisy, ultra-Toryism, and self-seeking among them," said Uncle W., "or they wouldn't be such faint friends to their cause, such cowards upon the question, and so taken up with little personal alarms and affronts."
04Apr1867, The Duke Home from Ireland
LONDON, April 4th, 1867.
—The Duke dined with us ; he got home to-day from Ireland, where he has received a very hearty and loyal deputation of tenantry. Fenianism is in the neighbourhood, however. Two soldiers were said to have been fighting each other viciously, about which should have somebody else's land ! ! The Duke underwent the convent as usual, and sat 1/2 an hour with 12 nuns all of a row giggling in front of him, which appears to have somewhat tried him.
—The Duke dined with us ; he got home to-day from Ireland, where he has received a very hearty and loyal deputation of tenantry. Fenianism is in the neighbourhood, however. Two soldiers were said to have been fighting each other viciously, about which should have somebody else's land ! ! The Duke underwent the convent as usual, and sat 1/2 an hour with 12 nuns all of a row giggling in front of him, which appears to have somewhat tried him.
Monday, June 22, 2009
03Apr1867, A Very Busy Day
LONDON, April 3rd, 1867.
—A very busy day. At 10½ I paid a flying visit to the workhouse. Soon after 11 went with Auntie P. and Mrs. Hampton shopping for the Convalescent Home : got coal-scuttles, crockery, coffee-mill, knives, forks, and spoons, canisters, etc., etc. N.B. stone ware cup, with its saucer, price 2d. ! ! Luncheon, and at 2½ I drove off to Westbourne Terrace to call on Mrs. Martineau ; found Mrs. Monsell (the Great) with her ; learnt useful text-painting particulars ; looked in at St. Paul's, Knightsbridge, but the service was just ending ; visited Aunt Caroline (who is just come home from abroad), who was out, and Lady Albemarle whose daughter sang most delightfully ; sagged to Paddington to meet Mazy, but, being a few minutes late, missed her. And finally we dined at Lady Estcourt's, meeting Robartes's.
—A very busy day. At 10½ I paid a flying visit to the workhouse. Soon after 11 went with Auntie P. and Mrs. Hampton shopping for the Convalescent Home : got coal-scuttles, crockery, coffee-mill, knives, forks, and spoons, canisters, etc., etc. N.B. stone ware cup, with its saucer, price 2d. ! ! Luncheon, and at 2½ I drove off to Westbourne Terrace to call on Mrs. Martineau ; found Mrs. Monsell (the Great) with her ; learnt useful text-painting particulars ; looked in at St. Paul's, Knightsbridge, but the service was just ending ; visited Aunt Caroline (who is just come home from abroad), who was out, and Lady Albemarle whose daughter sang most delightfully ; sagged to Paddington to meet Mazy, but, being a few minutes late, missed her. And finally we dined at Lady Estcourt's, meeting Robartes's.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
01Apr1867, Mrs. Scott-Siddons Reads Shakespeare
LONDON, April 1st, 1867.
—A young Mrs. Scott-Siddons, about 20 years old, and great-grand-daughter to the great Mrs. Siddons, recited some Shakespeare and Tennyson at the Hanover Square rooms. She is beautiful, and sometimes like the famous pictures of the Tragic Muse ; her voice lovely ; soft, but clear and ringing ; all was good, but the tragedy parts really excellent. Such grace, and pathos, and passion ! but always natural, and with no rant. I cried dreadfully over Constance and Arthur ; finishing with a good hearty howl when it was over ! But what promises most of all by far is her acting. I feel as if the dream I have had all my life of what should be on the stage is to be realized.
—A young Mrs. Scott-Siddons, about 20 years old, and great-grand-daughter to the great Mrs. Siddons, recited some Shakespeare and Tennyson at the Hanover Square rooms. She is beautiful, and sometimes like the famous pictures of the Tragic Muse ; her voice lovely ; soft, but clear and ringing ; all was good, but the tragedy parts really excellent. Such grace, and pathos, and passion ! but always natural, and with no rant. I cried dreadfully over Constance and Arthur ; finishing with a good hearty howl when it was over ! But what promises most of all by far is her acting. I feel as if the dream I have had all my life of what should be on the stage is to be realized.
27Mar1867, Labourers on Strike
LONDON, March 27th, 1867.
—The engine-drivers on the Brighton line and elsewhere, and the wretched starved Buckinghamshire labourers, are on strike ; the latter only demanding 12s. a week.
—The engine-drivers on the Brighton line and elsewhere, and the wretched starved Buckinghamshire labourers, are on strike ; the latter only demanding 12s. a week.
24Mar1867, Sermon by Magee
LONDON, March 24th, 1867.
—Went off in a hansom to St. Paul's Cathedral, inside which neither of us had ever been : grand and stately it is, but crying out for splendid rich decoration. Thousands of people. Magee , Dean of Cork [FN: Afterwards Bishop of Peterborough.], preached a glorious, eloquent sermon, outpoured with great fire and earnestness without a single note. His voice and action perfectly beautiful—unaffected and persuasive and powerful.
—Went off in a hansom to St. Paul's Cathedral, inside which neither of us had ever been : grand and stately it is, but crying out for splendid rich decoration. Thousands of people. Magee , Dean of Cork [FN: Afterwards Bishop of Peterborough.], preached a glorious, eloquent sermon, outpoured with great fire and earnestness without a single note. His voice and action perfectly beautiful—unaffected and persuasive and powerful.
23Mar1867, Dined at the Argylls'
LONDON, March 23rd, 1867.
—Dined at the Argylls', meeting a rugged, clever old Scotch Lord Colonsay, Mr. C. Howard, and George [FN: Afterwards 9th Earl of Carlisle.] (who gave a better account of Rosalind, and said his baby was like the Stanleys, which is rather sad, if it ever lives to be Lord Carlisle), etc. I made acquaintance with Edith Campbell [FN: Daughter of the 8th Duke of Argyll ; afterwards Duchess of Northumberland.] who is just out, and would be lovely but for her tiny shrunk figure ; beautiful Evy ; Elizabeth, who is less pretty, but has a better figure and very delicate features ; Lorne [FN: Afterwards 9th Duke of Argyll. Married Princess Louise, daughter of Queen Victoria.] and Archie very pleasant, taking, gentlemanlike fellows, Lorne seeming very clever ; has just written a book about Travels in America and Jamaica.
—Dined at the Argylls', meeting a rugged, clever old Scotch Lord Colonsay, Mr. C. Howard, and George [FN: Afterwards 9th Earl of Carlisle.] (who gave a better account of Rosalind, and said his baby was like the Stanleys, which is rather sad, if it ever lives to be Lord Carlisle), etc. I made acquaintance with Edith Campbell [FN: Daughter of the 8th Duke of Argyll ; afterwards Duchess of Northumberland.] who is just out, and would be lovely but for her tiny shrunk figure ; beautiful Evy ; Elizabeth, who is less pretty, but has a better figure and very delicate features ; Lorne [FN: Afterwards 9th Duke of Argyll. Married Princess Louise, daughter of Queen Victoria.] and Archie very pleasant, taking, gentlemanlike fellows, Lorne seeming very clever ; has just written a book about Travels in America and Jamaica.
18Mar1867, Household Suffrage
LONDON, March 18th, 1867.
—Susan and I went to the House of C. before prayers (with which I was not edified : such an inaudible mumble, and nobody pretending to follow ; yet the crowd of members standing up together and keeping entire silence was striking). Dizzy made a painful, laboured speech, bringing forward his badissimus bill : Household Suffrage, with actual personal, as distinguished from compounded, rate-paying, and a marvellous scheme called "duality of votes," which Uncle W., who followed in a more vehement, bitter onslaught than I have ever heard him make, called "a gigantic engine of fraud." Household Suffrage pure and simple would perhaps have been accepted by the Liberals, though many of them do not think the country ripe for it ; but Dizzy dursn't do that as a leader of the Conservatives ! and now they are nevertheless, many of them, as discontented as possible : Sir W. Heathcote and others spoke against the Bill, and it is supposed not to have a chance. Never shall I forget the fire and scorn and vehemence of Uncle W.'s speech : he glared from one side to the other, gesticulated with both arms, often spoke with a kind of bitter laugh, stumbled over the formal phraseology of the House, in his violent feeling ; but the whole gave such an overwhelming notion of righteous indignation stirred up by moral convictions that there was no effect of temper about it.
—Susan and I went to the House of C. before prayers (with which I was not edified : such an inaudible mumble, and nobody pretending to follow ; yet the crowd of members standing up together and keeping entire silence was striking). Dizzy made a painful, laboured speech, bringing forward his badissimus bill : Household Suffrage, with actual personal, as distinguished from compounded, rate-paying, and a marvellous scheme called "duality of votes," which Uncle W., who followed in a more vehement, bitter onslaught than I have ever heard him make, called "a gigantic engine of fraud." Household Suffrage pure and simple would perhaps have been accepted by the Liberals, though many of them do not think the country ripe for it ; but Dizzy dursn't do that as a leader of the Conservatives ! and now they are nevertheless, many of them, as discontented as possible : Sir W. Heathcote and others spoke against the Bill, and it is supposed not to have a chance. Never shall I forget the fire and scorn and vehemence of Uncle W.'s speech : he glared from one side to the other, gesticulated with both arms, often spoke with a kind of bitter laugh, stumbled over the formal phraseology of the House, in his violent feeling ; but the whole gave such an overwhelming notion of righteous indignation stirred up by moral convictions that there was no effect of temper about it.
17Mar1867, Withering, Shivering Blast
LONDON, March 17th, 1867.
—Withering, shivering blast, drying up one's miserable throat and making one like a nutmeg-grater inside and out. Also a keen frost. I never could feel, with Dr. Watts, the pleasure of reflecting upon the "starving wretches," in contrast with my comfortable self on a night like this. It is almost maddening to think of anybody out-of-doors in tattered clothes ; and oh ! I wish it would rain seal-skins !
—Withering, shivering blast, drying up one's miserable throat and making one like a nutmeg-grater inside and out. Also a keen frost. I never could feel, with Dr. Watts, the pleasure of reflecting upon the "starving wretches," in contrast with my comfortable self on a night like this. It is almost maddening to think of anybody out-of-doors in tattered clothes ; and oh ! I wish it would rain seal-skins !
Sunday, June 14, 2009
16Mar1867, A Visit to Chiswick
LONDON, March 16th, 1867.
—Emma and I drove to Chiswick. I can never go there (especially without a load of people) without our golden days all coming back upon me. The Duchess was visiting Lady Blantyre, and we waited an hour for her. She looked very well and queenly, and made me as shy as usual ! Snug home dinner, after which a drum at the Speaker's. The Duke of St. Albans is to marry Sybil Grey.
—Emma and I drove to Chiswick. I can never go there (especially without a load of people) without our golden days all coming back upon me. The Duchess was visiting Lady Blantyre, and we waited an hour for her. She looked very well and queenly, and made me as shy as usual ! Snug home dinner, after which a drum at the Speaker's. The Duke of St. Albans is to marry Sybil Grey.
10Mar1867, Obstreperous Ragamuffins
LONDON, March 10th, 1867.
—School, where I was driven nearly wild by 8 obstreperous ragamuffin boys.
—School, where I was driven nearly wild by 8 obstreperous ragamuffin boys.
06Mar1867, Sermon by Dr. Pusey
LONDON, March 6th, 1867. Ash Wednesday.
—Freddy had odious meetings all the morning. I went to All Saints', which was crammed full as Dr. Pusey preached. It was a striking, solemn sermon, upon the saved "suffering loss" at the Last Day, from the "wood, hay, and stubble" of their works on earth being tested by fire, they being themselves saved nevertheless by Infinite Mercy. I hardly understand the text in the same way. I think it means that if only we have built upon the One Foundation, the imperfections of our works will be forgiven, the fire will cleanse them, and only what is good and true will remain. But I don't know. I was glad to find sitting-room on the steps of the font, and heard with difficulty. He has a good, gentle face, though ugly ; his voice sounded rather weak and as if his chest hurt him. We had luncheon at Devonshire House where was Netty. I went to see Kate Amberley, and Granny who got down her Bible and entered the lists with Dr. Pusey so well !
—Freddy had odious meetings all the morning. I went to All Saints', which was crammed full as Dr. Pusey preached. It was a striking, solemn sermon, upon the saved "suffering loss" at the Last Day, from the "wood, hay, and stubble" of their works on earth being tested by fire, they being themselves saved nevertheless by Infinite Mercy. I hardly understand the text in the same way. I think it means that if only we have built upon the One Foundation, the imperfections of our works will be forgiven, the fire will cleanse them, and only what is good and true will remain. But I don't know. I was glad to find sitting-room on the steps of the font, and heard with difficulty. He has a good, gentle face, though ugly ; his voice sounded rather weak and as if his chest hurt him. We had luncheon at Devonshire House where was Netty. I went to see Kate Amberley, and Granny who got down her Bible and entered the lists with Dr. Pusey so well !
03Mar1867, School and Workhouse
LONDON, March 3rd, 1867.
—School and workhouse. The old bodies made a great joke of F.'s bringing me to the door of the workhouse.
—School and workhouse. The old bodies made a great joke of F.'s bringing me to the door of the workhouse.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
02Mar1867, John Parry and German Reed
LONDON, March 2nd, 1867.
—I went with Grauntcoquitty [FN: I.e. "Granny" and "Aunt Coque" and "Aunt Kitty" : the Dowager Lady Lyttelton, Hon. Caroline Lyttelton, and Miss Pole-Carew.] , Meriel, and Mrs. Robartes (very childish of such old matrons and maids !) to see John Parry and German Reed. Laughed till I was exhausted !
—I went with Grauntcoquitty [FN: I.e. "Granny" and "Aunt Coque" and "Aunt Kitty" : the Dowager Lady Lyttelton, Hon. Caroline Lyttelton, and Miss Pole-Carew.] , Meriel, and Mrs. Robartes (very childish of such old matrons and maids !) to see John Parry and German Reed. Laughed till I was exhausted !
21Feb1867, Visiting the Very Poor
LONDON, February 21st, 1867.
—At the poor dinner was a pretty, bright-eyed little pussy-girl of five, whose remains of dinner I carried home for her, for fear she should come to grief with the plate. She showed me the way, trotting fearlessly along down a squalid street and court, up to the top of a wretched house. On the last landing, a door opened and out peeped another darling little girl. This was "home," and I went in. Father and mother, 4 children, and a baby were in the tiny place ; the little things all pretty and chubby, but the parents pinched and starved-looking: it was a tidy room considering ; I felt ashamed of myself, coming back to this big house, where there is not even one little baby to take up room.
We successfully entertained at dinner the Eddies, the Forsters, Agnes, Mr. Charles Howard , Mr. Tom Hughes. There was some discussion about the volunteers, who were called out illegally to, defend Chester from the Fenians the other day, and are really supposed to have saved the town from attack. The question is, whether it ought to be legal to arm them in cases of civil riots. Mr. Hughes was against it, saying they were and ought to be perfectly free to choose either side ! ! and so it might be awkward.
—At the poor dinner was a pretty, bright-eyed little pussy-girl of five, whose remains of dinner I carried home for her, for fear she should come to grief with the plate. She showed me the way, trotting fearlessly along down a squalid street and court, up to the top of a wretched house. On the last landing, a door opened and out peeped another darling little girl. This was "home," and I went in. Father and mother, 4 children, and a baby were in the tiny place ; the little things all pretty and chubby, but the parents pinched and starved-looking: it was a tidy room considering ; I felt ashamed of myself, coming back to this big house, where there is not even one little baby to take up room.
We successfully entertained at dinner the Eddies, the Forsters, Agnes, Mr. Charles Howard , Mr. Tom Hughes. There was some discussion about the volunteers, who were called out illegally to, defend Chester from the Fenians the other day, and are really supposed to have saved the town from attack. The question is, whether it ought to be legal to arm them in cases of civil riots. Mr. Hughes was against it, saying they were and ought to be perfectly free to choose either side ! ! and so it might be awkward.
20Feb1867, Poor People's Dinner
LONDON, February 20th, 1867.
—Yesterday and to-day I have been to preside at a poor people's dinner just set going in this parish : went afterwards, with a little dot of a girl who had dined, to the district school in Bedfordbury, where were over 100 little creatures, the lowest of the low, in a nice airy room at the top of the building, which has a chapel for its basement, and another school and a mission room "au second."
—Yesterday and to-day I have been to preside at a poor people's dinner just set going in this parish : went afterwards, with a little dot of a girl who had dined, to the district school in Bedfordbury, where were over 100 little creatures, the lowest of the low, in a nice airy room at the top of the building, which has a chapel for its basement, and another school and a mission room "au second."
16Feb1867, Macleod and Canterbury
LONDON, February 16th, 1867.
—We went to Lady Augusta Stanley's, and were introduced to Dr. Macleod, the editor of Good Words, whose Liberalism and penchant for painted windows has affronted certain stiff kirk-people ; but he is a Presbyterian all the same : a big burly man, with a great face full of power, very like my idea of Dr. Johnson. The Dean of Canterbury (Alford) was talking to him ; such a contrast, with his spare figure and thin, sensitive features.
—We went to Lady Augusta Stanley's, and were introduced to Dr. Macleod, the editor of Good Words, whose Liberalism and penchant for painted windows has affronted certain stiff kirk-people ; but he is a Presbyterian all the same : a big burly man, with a great face full of power, very like my idea of Dr. Johnson. The Dean of Canterbury (Alford) was talking to him ; such a contrast, with his spare figure and thin, sensitive features.
15Feb1867, Maid Parry is Expecting
LONDON, February 15th, 1867.
—To my bewilderment and dismay last night, my poor maid Parry, who is married, announced in a tremulous voice, that, when she had been with me only a few days, she suddenly and unexpectedly discovered that she was several months gone with a luckless baby ! My head span, but I hope to manage a stop-gap, and take the poor thing back.
—To my bewilderment and dismay last night, my poor maid Parry, who is married, announced in a tremulous voice, that, when she had been with me only a few days, she suddenly and unexpectedly discovered that she was several months gone with a luckless baby ! My head span, but I hope to manage a stop-gap, and take the poor thing back.
12Feb1867, Uncle W. Much Disgusted
LONDON, February 12th, 1867.
—Uncle W. looks blooming after his holyday. He is as much disgusted and bothered by the course of the Government as it's possible to be : when I said something about the emptiness of the Resolutions, he said, "But there is plenty of poison in them," and later spoke of the difficulty of dealing with "a tortuous policy." He has the profoundest faithlessness in Dizzy ; almost the only man of whom he does not think better than he deserves !
—Uncle W. looks blooming after his holyday. He is as much disgusted and bothered by the course of the Government as it's possible to be : when I said something about the emptiness of the Resolutions, he said, "But there is plenty of poison in them," and later spoke of the difficulty of dealing with "a tortuous policy." He has the profoundest faithlessness in Dizzy ; almost the only man of whom he does not think better than he deserves !
07Feb1867, Tea wth the Stanleys
LONDON, February 7th, 1867.
—Entertained at 5 o'clock tea Agnes, Ly. Augusta Stanley, and her little Dean, who got through an alarming amount of bread and butter. Later, had the honour of a visit from Cavendish who stopped till Freddy came home.
—Entertained at 5 o'clock tea Agnes, Ly. Augusta Stanley, and her little Dean, who got through an alarming amount of bread and butter. Later, had the honour of a visit from Cavendish who stopped till Freddy came home.
02Feb1867, Landseer's Lions
HOLKER, February 2nd, 1867.
—Landseer's lions are actually mounted on the pedestals of the Nelson monument.
—Landseer's lions are actually mounted on the pedestals of the Nelson monument.
30Jan1867, A Plot Among the Whigs
HOLKER, January 30th, 1867.
—There are dismal indications of a plot among the Whigs against Uncle William's leadership of the Opposition, and some have dragged up Cavendish's name to take his place. He has heard nothing of it directly, and would have nothing to do with such a dirty job.
—There are dismal indications of a plot among the Whigs against Uncle William's leadership of the Opposition, and some have dragged up Cavendish's name to take his place. He has heard nothing of it directly, and would have nothing to do with such a dirty job.
27Jan1867, Bread Riots
HOLKER, January 27th, 1867.
—Afternoon school. There is terrible distress in London. . . . There have been actually bread-riots in the E. ; bakers' and butchers' shops rifled : the Poor Law as usual at a dead-lock.
—Afternoon school. There is terrible distress in London. . . . There have been actually bread-riots in the E. ; bakers' and butchers' shops rifled : the Poor Law as usual at a dead-lock.
22Jan1867, Lady Herbert's Impressions of Spain
HOLKER, January 22nd, 1867.
—Bitter grey cold : snow again to-night. A poor postman near Compton Place was found frozen to death in his cart holding the reins, when the horse stopped at the post-office. And there have been several other deaths from the same cause. . . .
Finished a silly book upon Spain by Lady Herbert, chiefly filled with eulogies upon the state of religion there, which I suppose is about the most degraded in Christendom, Romanism having overlaid nearly all pure Catholicism. It aggravates me much ; for one who spent 40 years of her life in communion with our own Church, with Sidney Herbert for her husband, and the Bishop of Salisbury for her friend, and who, if she isn't quite a fool (which she isn't) must know something of the devotion and piety and zeal, yes and Catholicism, of the last 30 years in England—that such a one should coolly imply all through that all in England but the Romanist sect are under the sway of bare, cold irreligion.
—Bitter grey cold : snow again to-night. A poor postman near Compton Place was found frozen to death in his cart holding the reins, when the horse stopped at the post-office. And there have been several other deaths from the same cause. . . .
Finished a silly book upon Spain by Lady Herbert, chiefly filled with eulogies upon the state of religion there, which I suppose is about the most degraded in Christendom, Romanism having overlaid nearly all pure Catholicism. It aggravates me much ; for one who spent 40 years of her life in communion with our own Church, with Sidney Herbert for her husband, and the Bishop of Salisbury for her friend, and who, if she isn't quite a fool (which she isn't) must know something of the devotion and piety and zeal, yes and Catholicism, of the last 30 years in England—that such a one should coolly imply all through that all in England but the Romanist sect are under the sway of bare, cold irreligion.
20Jan1867, Thames Population Unemployed
HOLKER, January 20th, 1867.
—The distress in London is terrible ; all the Thames population being badly off for work, owing to the losses of the employers of dock-labourers last year in the Bank failures.
—The distress in London is terrible ; all the Thames population being badly off for work, owing to the losses of the employers of dock-labourers last year in the Bank failures.
17Jan1867, Discontent with Keble
HOLKER, January 17th, 1867.
—A great discontent has arisen (in which I share) at an alteration having been determined on in the next edition of the "Xtian Year," because of an expressed wish of Keble's, which however he never lived to carry out. The words at present (in the Gunpowder Plot poem) are :
" . . . there present in the heart, Not in the hands, th' Eternal Priest Doth His true Self impart " ;
the subject being Holy Communion. It is to be altered to "As in the hands." It is said the present reading seems to go against the Real Presence, which of course Keble held ; but the proposed one is liable to an equally important misunderstanding (is far more liable) ; viz. it will certainly be understood by the many as plain Transubstantiation ; and the book, which has been beloved by thousands of all opinions, including dissenters, will frighten away many, even loyal, Churchmen.
—A great discontent has arisen (in which I share) at an alteration having been determined on in the next edition of the "Xtian Year," because of an expressed wish of Keble's, which however he never lived to carry out. The words at present (in the Gunpowder Plot poem) are :
the subject being Holy Communion. It is to be altered to "As in the hands." It is said the present reading seems to go against the Real Presence, which of course Keble held ; but the proposed one is liable to an equally important misunderstanding (is far more liable) ; viz. it will certainly be understood by the many as plain Transubstantiation ; and the book, which has been beloved by thousands of all opinions, including dissenters, will frighten away many, even loyal, Churchmen.
Monday, June 08, 2009
15Jan1867, Female Suffrage: Odious
HOLKER, January 15th, 1867.
—The subject of female suffrage (odious and ridiculous notion as it is) is actually beginning to be spoken of without laughter, and as if it was an open question. I trust we are not coming to that. Bright and certain of his vilifiers have been throwing mud at each other in the papers, in a most objectionable fashion, which some years back would have led inevitably to a duel.
—The subject of female suffrage (odious and ridiculous notion as it is) is actually beginning to be spoken of without laughter, and as if it was an open question. I trust we are not coming to that. Bright and certain of his vilifiers have been throwing mud at each other in the papers, in a most objectionable fashion, which some years back would have led inevitably to a duel.
S. John's Day, 1866, Reading and Writing
HOLKER, S. John's Day, 1866.
—We read Hooker, and began a little Shakespeare ("King John"). I wrote to the Eddies, to Florence. Heard from Aunt Emy. Froude's 2 new vols. of Elizabeth's reign must be very odious reading ; he blackens Mary Queen of Scots' character at great length and in indescribable ways.
—We read Hooker, and began a little Shakespeare ("King John"). I wrote to the Eddies, to Florence. Heard from Aunt Emy. Froude's 2 new vols. of Elizabeth's reign must be very odious reading ; he blackens Mary Queen of Scots' character at great length and in indescribable ways.
20Dec1866, Some Mourning Things
HICKLETON, December 20th, 1866.
—Ly. Halifax and I drove to Doncaster, where I got some mourning things for old Lady Chesham who has just died.
—Ly. Halifax and I drove to Doncaster, where I got some mourning things for old Lady Chesham who has just died.
19Dec1866, Thoughts on Confession
HICKLETON, [FN: Lord Halifax's house.] December 19th, 1866.
—Dr. Pusey is waging a war in The Times upon Private Confession and Absolution, which he advocates most strongly, tho' not condemning those who differ from him. It seems to me wrong to oppose private confession if it is quite voluntary ; but it is all but inconceivable to me. Many things it would be entirely impossible to put into spoken words, and so one would be false ; then under or over-statement of others would be inevitable ; as to motives, one would get into hopeless perplexity ; and then there is forgetfulness. My strong feeling (and I know it is not pride) is "0 keep the softening veil in mercy drawn, Thou Who canst love us, though Thou read us true" ; and no special confession to man, that I can imagine, could be to me what the silent appeal of one's soul is, lying with tears at His feet Who sees all, and pities all. "0 Lord, Thou knowest." Then comes the message of the priest, as if straight from Heaven—more consoling and reuniting, to my mind, than if the preceding confession had been a set one to him.
—Dr. Pusey is waging a war in The Times upon Private Confession and Absolution, which he advocates most strongly, tho' not condemning those who differ from him. It seems to me wrong to oppose private confession if it is quite voluntary ; but it is all but inconceivable to me. Many things it would be entirely impossible to put into spoken words, and so one would be false ; then under or over-statement of others would be inevitable ; as to motives, one would get into hopeless perplexity ; and then there is forgetfulness. My strong feeling (and I know it is not pride) is "0 keep the softening veil in mercy drawn, Thou Who canst love us, though Thou read us true" ; and no special confession to man, that I can imagine, could be to me what the silent appeal of one's soul is, lying with tears at His feet Who sees all, and pities all. "0 Lord, Thou knowest." Then comes the message of the priest, as if straight from Heaven—more consoling and reuniting, to my mind, than if the preceding confession had been a set one to him.
16Dec1866, Made One a Ritualist by Rebound
OSSINGTON, December 16th, 1866.
—Dank. Church an 80-year-old meeting-house, too dreadful, and the clergyman's attire, which was simply that of a particularly dirty chorister, made one a ritualist by force of rebound !
—Dank. Church an 80-year-old meeting-house, too dreadful, and the clergyman's attire, which was simply that of a particularly dirty chorister, made one a ritualist by force of rebound !
14Dec1866, Galloping on a Glorious Horse
13Dec1866, Lady Dorothy Nevill
OSSINGTON [FN: Speaker Denison's house.], December 13th, 1866.
—Mr. and Ly. Dorothy Nevill came : she is a quaint, piquant, clever little woman, like a funny old picture.
—Mr. and Ly. Dorothy Nevill came : she is a quaint, piquant, clever little woman, like a funny old picture.
12Dec1866, A New Maid
CHATSWORTH, December 12th, 1866.
—To my inexpressible relief and comfort, my odious little maid went off, and gentle, pleasant-looking, quiet little Mrs. Parry came, who will probably turn out a Felon, but is meanwhile very soothing.
—To my inexpressible relief and comfort, my odious little maid went off, and gentle, pleasant-looking, quiet little Mrs. Parry came, who will probably turn out a Felon, but is meanwhile very soothing.
11Dec1866, Lady Fortescue Dies
CHATSWORTH, December 11th, 1866.
—A terribly sad thing has happend : the death of Lady Fortescue in her confinement, leaving 13 children, the eldest only 18. It takes me back to '57, and awakes in me afresh the sense of what a piteous thing it is—so many orphaned.
—A terribly sad thing has happend : the death of Lady Fortescue in her confinement, leaving 13 children, the eldest only 18. It takes me back to '57, and awakes in me afresh the sense of what a piteous thing it is—so many orphaned.
10Dec1866, Valsing at the Servants' Ball
CHATSWORTH, December 10th, 1866.
—A delightful servants' ball came off in the Banqueting-room. I valsed. [FN: As a girl she had not been allowed to valse.]
—A delightful servants' ball came off in the Banqueting-room. I valsed. [FN: As a girl she had not been allowed to valse.]
08Dec1866, Queen Unveils a Statue
CHATSWORTH, December 8th, 1866.
—The Queen has sent Wolverhampton into an ecstasy by going there herself in full state, open carriage and all, to unveil a statue of the Prince Consort. It is the first time (in England) since his death, that she has taken such public part on a festive occasion.
—The Queen has sent Wolverhampton into an ecstasy by going there herself in full state, open carriage and all, to unveil a statue of the Prince Consort. It is the first time (in England) since his death, that she has taken such public part on a festive occasion.
04Dec1866, Duchess of Manchester, Too Beautiful
CHATSWORTH, December 4th, 1866.
—I am shivering all over with a miserable scene with my maid who squabbles with all the servants. The Duke and Duchess of Manchester came. Most of us walked. Battle in the evening. [FN: The Duchess of Manchester became subsequently Duchess of Devonshire. In the next day's entry she is described as "too beautiful and winning, with the most perfect manners—-high-bred, gentle, and intelligent."]
—I am shivering all over with a miserable scene with my maid who squabbles with all the servants. The Duke and Duchess of Manchester came. Most of us walked. Battle in the evening. [FN: The Duchess of Manchester became subsequently Duchess of Devonshire. In the next day's entry she is described as "too beautiful and winning, with the most perfect manners—-high-bred, gentle, and intelligent."]
Sunday, June 07, 2009
03Dec1866, I Do Hope and Hope
CHATSWORTH, December 3rd, 1866.
—With Lou and Emma to see the infant-school ; the bright little faces set me longing as usual. Poor Emma [FN: Lady Edward had had a stillborn baby.] goes to see tiny children whenever she can. She is really only just beginning to regain spring and liveliness, but I can almost envy her, for knowing what it is to be a mother ; and then she can hope more than I can do, tho' I do hope and hope. We must "wait patiently."
—With Lou and Emma to see the infant-school ; the bright little faces set me longing as usual. Poor Emma [FN: Lady Edward had had a stillborn baby.] goes to see tiny children whenever she can. She is really only just beginning to regain spring and liveliness, but I can almost envy her, for knowing what it is to be a mother ; and then she can hope more than I can do, tho' I do hope and hope. We must "wait patiently."
29Nov1866, Gov. Eyre, Ritualists, One Church
CHATSWORTH, November 29th, 1866.
—The papers go on fighting over Gov. Eyre, whom one party is going to try for murder, which I can't think right, as he was a high-minded man, wishing to act for the best, and carried away by the panic around him ; and the other party getting up a Defence Fund, and defending him thro' thick and thin, which is a shame and disgrace to English people, who would not bear the wholesale vengeance if it had been upon whites, but cannot see the harm of unlimited killing and flogging when negroes are in question. The Ritualism controversy is hot ; many of the extreme school openly professing disloyalty to our Prayer Book, and disavowing the name of Protestant altogether. Now it is odious, I think, to let "Protestant" be our chief name, or to sink in it the noble name which carries with it all the glory of Christ's one Church—"catholic"—and plume ourselves upon a mere negative which we share with every sect of Christianity, or non-Christianity ; but it is wrong and miserable to disavow it altogether, and with it the whole principle of the Reformation. But the Ritualists are consistent, for many have ceased to protest against any Roman error, unless it be Papal Supremacy. Still, tho' this is bad and dangerous indeed, I do hope that nothing violent will be done : it is a great stir and enthusiasm ; much in it is great and true, full of love to Christ, work for the poor, and yearning for union ; and I can't but hope that what is wrong will counteract itself, and the good remain and abide.
—The papers go on fighting over Gov. Eyre, whom one party is going to try for murder, which I can't think right, as he was a high-minded man, wishing to act for the best, and carried away by the panic around him ; and the other party getting up a Defence Fund, and defending him thro' thick and thin, which is a shame and disgrace to English people, who would not bear the wholesale vengeance if it had been upon whites, but cannot see the harm of unlimited killing and flogging when negroes are in question. The Ritualism controversy is hot ; many of the extreme school openly professing disloyalty to our Prayer Book, and disavowing the name of Protestant altogether. Now it is odious, I think, to let "Protestant" be our chief name, or to sink in it the noble name which carries with it all the glory of Christ's one Church—"catholic"—and plume ourselves upon a mere negative which we share with every sect of Christianity, or non-Christianity ; but it is wrong and miserable to disavow it altogether, and with it the whole principle of the Reformation. But the Ritualists are consistent, for many have ceased to protest against any Roman error, unless it be Papal Supremacy. Still, tho' this is bad and dangerous indeed, I do hope that nothing violent will be done : it is a great stir and enthusiasm ; much in it is great and true, full of love to Christ, work for the poor, and yearning for union ; and I can't but hope that what is wrong will counteract itself, and the good remain and abide.
26Nov1866, Engagements
CHATSWORTH, November 26th, 1866.
—Poor squinny dwarfish little Lord Milton is desperately in love with Lady Mary, daughter of Lady Ormonde, who won't have him. Lady V. Cecil, one of the best and nicest of girls, is engaged, after 2 years of ardent attachment on her part, to a little Mr. ________, a widower 30 years older than herself.
—Poor squinny dwarfish little Lord Milton is desperately in love with Lady Mary, daughter of Lady Ormonde, who won't have him. Lady V. Cecil, one of the best and nicest of girls, is engaged, after 2 years of ardent attachment on her part, to a little Mr. ________, a widower 30 years older than herself.
24Nov1866, Byegone Stories of Chatsworth
CHATSWORTH, November 24th, 1866.
—I sat by Sir Augustus [FN: Sir Augustus Clifford] at dinner, and, tho' he seems to be an empty-headed old gentleman, he entertained me much by his byegone stories of old Chatsworth and Althorp days.
—I sat by Sir Augustus [FN: Sir Augustus Clifford] at dinner, and, tho' he seems to be an empty-headed old gentleman, he entertained me much by his byegone stories of old Chatsworth and Althorp days.
23Nov1866, Discussing Lavinia, Lady Spencer
CHATSWORTH, November 23rd, 1866.
—I have delightful sits and trolls and "sweet converse" with old Tallee, whose goodness and charm to my mind give her grace and beauty that wins me more than a lovely face ! We walked, she and I and Lou, and talked, amongst other things, of the lady who was grandmother to Tallee, great-great-aunt to Lou, and great-grandmother to me [FN: Lavinia , daughter of the 1st Earl of Lucan and wife of the 2nd Earl Spencer. Her face is well known from Reynolds' portrait, so often engraved.]
—I have delightful sits and trolls and "sweet converse" with old Tallee, whose goodness and charm to my mind give her grace and beauty that wins me more than a lovely face ! We walked, she and I and Lou, and talked, amongst other things, of the lady who was grandmother to Tallee, great-great-aunt to Lou, and great-grandmother to me [FN: Lavinia , daughter of the 1st Earl of Lucan and wife of the 2nd Earl Spencer. Her face is well known from Reynolds' portrait, so often engraved.]
19Nov1866, Admired by Mr. Bright
CHATSWORTH, November 19th, 1866.
—Bright, on the strength of our meeting, announced to Mr. Trevelyan that he admired me much, and contrasted me favourably with Mrs. Lowe, a compliment that doesn't turn one's head.
—Bright, on the strength of our meeting, announced to Mr. Trevelyan that he admired me much, and contrasted me favourably with Mrs. Lowe, a compliment that doesn't turn one's head.
18Nov1866, Thirty Walk to Church
CHATSWORTH, November 18th, 1866.
—Alas it poured and blew so that I could not coax Fred to let me go to Church ; it certainly would have damaged him, as he is rheumatic. We read the service together. Cleared later and we all walked, 30 of us ! Chapel service at 6.
—Alas it poured and blew so that I could not coax Fred to let me go to Church ; it certainly would have damaged him, as he is rheumatic. We read the service together. Cleared later and we all walked, 30 of us ! Chapel service at 6.
15Nov1866, Indoor Tennis-Battledore
CHATSWORTH, November 15th, 1866.
—Rained nearly all day. Womankind staid at home, and some of us had three furious games of tennis-battledore in the banqueting room. Gentlemen drove to the shooting place and then—drove back again.
—Rained nearly all day. Womankind staid at home, and some of us had three furious games of tennis-battledore in the banqueting room. Gentlemen drove to the shooting place and then—drove back again.
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
07Nov1866, Maid Troubles
CHATSWORTH, November 7th, 1866.
—I am worried by my new maid turning out dreadfully huffy with the Duke's household, and unmanageable when I tell her to show my gowns to other people. She is going. It perplexes me sadly how all I say and do, though it is not without prayer, seems to fail utterly with one maid after another. This is the 4th I have had that has behaved ill in her rapports with some fellow-servant or other, and they have not a notion that they can be in the least to blame, though by their own showing (certainly in this one's case) all grows out of the pettiest jealousy and pride. There is a code of morals among them which not only is nowhere in the Bible, but flat against the whole tone of the N. Testament from beginning to end ; the supreme and pre-eminent commandment of this code being : "Thou shalt never let thyself be put upon; and thou shalt attribute the meanest motive to the conduct of thy fellows." I wonder how they understand our blessed Lord's words about the peace-makers, the poor in spirit, the meek and lowly. It makes one fear that one may be doing something like it, according to one's different temptations, with the same self-complacency ; but then one does learn a little to mistrust oneself.
—I am worried by my new maid turning out dreadfully huffy with the Duke's household, and unmanageable when I tell her to show my gowns to other people. She is going. It perplexes me sadly how all I say and do, though it is not without prayer, seems to fail utterly with one maid after another. This is the 4th I have had that has behaved ill in her rapports with some fellow-servant or other, and they have not a notion that they can be in the least to blame, though by their own showing (certainly in this one's case) all grows out of the pettiest jealousy and pride. There is a code of morals among them which not only is nowhere in the Bible, but flat against the whole tone of the N. Testament from beginning to end ; the supreme and pre-eminent commandment of this code being : "Thou shalt never let thyself be put upon; and thou shalt attribute the meanest motive to the conduct of thy fellows." I wonder how they understand our blessed Lord's words about the peace-makers, the poor in spirit, the meek and lowly. It makes one fear that one may be doing something like it, according to one's different temptations, with the same self-complacency ; but then one does learn a little to mistrust oneself.
06Nov1866, Agonistes into Greek
CHATSWORTH, November 6th, 1866.
—I am copying the text of Samson Agonistes for Papa who has translated it into Greek.
—I am copying the text of Samson Agonistes for Papa who has translated it into Greek.
14Oct1866, Cession of Venetia to France
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"
—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"
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.
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