HOLKER, September 19th, 1869.
—I have heard from my poor workhouse hero, who is safe in Canada, and has an appointment as Wesleyan minister ! ! ! !
Saturday, February 13, 2010
31Aug1869, To the Picture Gallery
DRESDEN, August 31st, 1869.
—I had to take Shepherd [FN: Lord Frederick was ill.] with me to the picture gallery. She was delighted. The younger of the two cherubs in the San Sisto is really like little Victor, only darker.
—I had to take Shepherd [FN: Lord Frederick was ill.] with me to the picture gallery. She was delighted. The younger of the two cherubs in the San Sisto is really like little Victor, only darker.
24Aug1869, Würzburg Cathedral
WURZBURG, August 24th, 1869.
—The cathedral, though of the 11th century, looks like 1700 personified, having been done up with frightful white plaster—cherubs and sprawling figures all over the roof ; the monuments and altars out-Herod Westminster Abbey. There was one charming monstrosity : a woman with an air unveiling a bust of a quizzical James I style of Bishop in a curly wig, who looks up complacently at finding himself unbonneted ; close by he appears again heaving himself out of his grave. I am truly delighted at finding this style of thing is not peculiar to English Protestantism.
—The cathedral, though of the 11th century, looks like 1700 personified, having been done up with frightful white plaster—cherubs and sprawling figures all over the roof ; the monuments and altars out-Herod Westminster Abbey. There was one charming monstrosity : a woman with an air unveiling a bust of a quizzical James I style of Bishop in a curly wig, who looks up complacently at finding himself unbonneted ; close by he appears again heaving himself out of his grave. I am truly delighted at finding this style of thing is not peculiar to English Protestantism.
19Aug1869, A Most Beautiful Grasshopper
KISSINGEN, August 19th, 1869.
—We saw perched on the inside of my umbrella a most beautiful winged grasshopper, the size of a large dragon-fly and of the most vivid green. We could study his countenance and see the Biblical likeness to a horse in the shape of his head.
—We saw perched on the inside of my umbrella a most beautiful winged grasshopper, the size of a large dragon-fly and of the most vivid green. We could study his countenance and see the Biblical likeness to a horse in the shape of his head.
02Aug1869, The Stupid Gas Bath
KISSINGEN, August 2nd, 1869.
—We are destined to make a "fiasco" of the stupid gas bath. I took my seat in one with great pomp this afternoon, and was shut up in it for a quarter of an hour, sitting tight for the gas to arrive. I looked like the old woman who lived in a shoe, and can only hope the resemblance may go further ! but as to the gas it never came at all !
—We are destined to make a "fiasco" of the stupid gas bath. I took my seat in one with great pomp this afternoon, and was shut up in it for a quarter of an hour, sitting tight for the gas to arrive. I looked like the old woman who lived in a shoe, and can only hope the resemblance may go further ! but as to the gas it never came at all !
27Jul1869, Letter from Henry Tuckley
KISSINGEN, July 27th, 1869. (sic)
—Had a touching letter from Henry Tuckley, a young man who was taken to St. Martin's workhouse in a half-mad state, and whose story of running away from his employer in consequence of a love disappointment, with £40 of his father's money, while drunk, and spending about a month in London not knowing what he was about, seems on inquiry to be true. He was evidently respectable, and, as it was a first fall, tho' such a terrible one, the good Master of the Workhouse took interest in him and told me about him and I got him under Mr. Shaw Stewart at the Newport Market refuge. We have got the money for him to emigrate to Canada, and it remains to be seen how he turns out. If well, it will be a joy and encouragement all one's life long, amid the evil and humbug of the world. (Heard startlingly soon that he had become a Wesley minister ! ! Wrote to caution him.)
—Had a touching letter from Henry Tuckley, a young man who was taken to St. Martin's workhouse in a half-mad state, and whose story of running away from his employer in consequence of a love disappointment, with £40 of his father's money, while drunk, and spending about a month in London not knowing what he was about, seems on inquiry to be true. He was evidently respectable, and, as it was a first fall, tho' such a terrible one, the good Master of the Workhouse took interest in him and told me about him and I got him under Mr. Shaw Stewart at the Newport Market refuge. We have got the money for him to emigrate to Canada, and it remains to be seen how he turns out. If well, it will be a joy and encouragement all one's life long, amid the evil and humbug of the world. (Heard startlingly soon that he had become a Wesley minister ! ! Wrote to caution him.)
27Jul1869, Every Shade of Bad Complexion
KISSINGEN, July 27th, 1869.
—Got up soon after 6 and went out to drink half-tumblers of Radosky. It is cold and fizzy and far from nasty, but I find 3 glasses hard work as I am never in the least thirsty before midday. Everything very Emslike ; crowds of creaky people with every shade of bad complexion —the pasty, the muddy, the green, and poor Mr. Joddrell who is purple. Also varieties of quizzes, but not such pronounced ones as at Ems. This place has no gambling-hall, and is reckoned dull and respectable ; so much the better. We met Lord Walter Scott, and F. shot [FN: see Glossary] a German Jew from Bradford, one of his constituents, a wonderful, round old fellow with no neck, in a velvet coat.
—Got up soon after 6 and went out to drink half-tumblers of Radosky. It is cold and fizzy and far from nasty, but I find 3 glasses hard work as I am never in the least thirsty before midday. Everything very Emslike ; crowds of creaky people with every shade of bad complexion —the pasty, the muddy, the green, and poor Mr. Joddrell who is purple. Also varieties of quizzes, but not such pronounced ones as at Ems. This place has no gambling-hall, and is reckoned dull and respectable ; so much the better. We met Lord Walter Scott, and F. shot [FN: see Glossary] a German Jew from Bradford, one of his constituents, a wonderful, round old fellow with no neck, in a velvet coat.
23July1869, Traveling to Germany
BOAT TO OSTEND, July 23rd, 1869.
—We left London at 8, and travelled right through to Cologne, crossing from Dover to Ostend. Lovely peaceful night passage ; none of us ill. We slept in a deck cabin for 3 hours or so, but dead tired was I nevertheless when we got to the Hotel Bellevue at 'Deutz at 4. Lazy till early bed. We have a handsome courier called Kern.
—We left London at 8, and travelled right through to Cologne, crossing from Dover to Ostend. Lovely peaceful night passage ; none of us ill. We slept in a deck cabin for 3 hours or so, but dead tired was I nevertheless when we got to the Hotel Bellevue at 'Deutz at 4. Lazy till early bed. We have a handsome courier called Kern.
22Jul1869, Matters are All Arranged
LONDON, July 22nd, 1869.
—The political thunderstorm has entirely cleared the air ! Matters are all arranged by certain small concessions on the part of the Govt. and much repentance on the part of the Lords ; Lord Cairns amenable, Lord Grey apologetic! ! ! And so the great measure of justice is passed. I never felt so strongly the beautiful balance of the Constitution, which has been like a grand ship straining fearfully in a dangerous storm, and righting herself when all seemed lost. Both sides are glad and relieved. One can only thank God and take courage. Uncle W. came home absolutely overcome. He said he wished to go straight to church! The Archbishop of Canterbury has been the moving spring of influence that has brought it all about : it is immensely to his credit, as he is no lover of the Bill.
—The political thunderstorm has entirely cleared the air ! Matters are all arranged by certain small concessions on the part of the Govt. and much repentance on the part of the Lords ; Lord Cairns amenable, Lord Grey apologetic! ! ! And so the great measure of justice is passed. I never felt so strongly the beautiful balance of the Constitution, which has been like a grand ship straining fearfully in a dangerous storm, and righting herself when all seemed lost. Both sides are glad and relieved. One can only thank God and take courage. Uncle W. came home absolutely overcome. He said he wished to go straight to church! The Archbishop of Canterbury has been the moving spring of influence that has brought it all about : it is immensely to his credit, as he is no lover of the Bill.
20Jul1869, Speeches Against Compromise
LONDON, July 20th, 1869.
—There was an odious reckless debate in the Lords, Lord Cairns, Lord Grey, and Lord Salisbury (which was unexpected) all making violent speeches against concession or compromise, and a majority of over 70 decided on sticking to their own preamble, which cuts out the words by which the surplus is excluded from religious uses. Hereupon Lord Granville adjourned to "consult with his colleagues." ...
Uncle W. dined.... He was very unhappy, dreading worse terms being imposed on the Church hereafter, and foreboding danger to the H. of Lords.
—There was an odious reckless debate in the Lords, Lord Cairns, Lord Grey, and Lord Salisbury (which was unexpected) all making violent speeches against concession or compromise, and a majority of over 70 decided on sticking to their own preamble, which cuts out the words by which the surplus is excluded from religious uses. Hereupon Lord Granville adjourned to "consult with his colleagues." ...
Uncle W. dined.... He was very unhappy, dreading worse terms being imposed on the Church hereafter, and foreboding danger to the H. of Lords.
09Jul1869, Making A Hash of the Bill
LONDON, July 9th, 1869.
—The Lords are making a dreadful hash of the Bill, such as permitting the present Irish Bishops to sit on in the House of Lords after the disestablishment, like ghosts.
—The Lords are making a dreadful hash of the Bill, such as permitting the present Irish Bishops to sit on in the House of Lords after the disestablishment, like ghosts.
07Jul1869, Not Smart Enough
LONDON, July 7th, 1869.
—Drove with Lou to a breakfast at Holland House. Wasn't smart enough and so felt rather unhappy, such is human weakness.
—Drove with Lou to a breakfast at Holland House. Wasn't smart enough and so felt rather unhappy, such is human weakness.
04Jul1869, Speak Above One's Breath
DUFFERIN LODGE, July 4th, 1869.
—Church. At Miss Coutts's new church in the morning. Bishop Harris of Gibraltar preacht well. Responses and singing spiritless and sleepy to a degree : it seems impossible in England to have a full sound without a choir. Why don't people learn Public Worship from the Psalms ? "Sing praises lustily with a good courage." "Sing we merrily . . . make a cheerful noise." I believe there is a wretched prim notion among "respectable" people that it is improper to speak above one's breath.
—Church. At Miss Coutts's new church in the morning. Bishop Harris of Gibraltar preacht well. Responses and singing spiritless and sleepy to a degree : it seems impossible in England to have a full sound without a choir. Why don't people learn Public Worship from the Psalms ? "Sing praises lustily with a good courage." "Sing we merrily . . . make a cheerful noise." I believe there is a wretched prim notion among "respectable" people that it is improper to speak above one's breath.
01Jul1869, Edward Talbot at Kebel College
LONDON, July 1st, 1869.
—The great news of Edward Talbot's appointment to the Headship of "Keble College" at Oxford is given out now, and is delightful : such a compliment to a man of 25 ! Mr. Liddon was privately asked to take it, but refused.
—The great news of Edward Talbot's appointment to the Headship of "Keble College" at Oxford is given out now, and is delightful : such a compliment to a man of 25 ! Mr. Liddon was privately asked to take it, but refused.
28Jun1869, The Queen's Garden Party
LONDON, June 28th, 1869.
—The Queen held a breakfast [FN: I.e. a Garden Party.] in Buckingham Palace Gardens, so brilliant and pretty it was ; gowns of every colour of the rainbow ; canary from head to foot amongst others ! Papa and Sybella were there ; how it is one takes that so calmly I can't tell, but so it is. The 2 new romances swallow it up, and it is restful to see Papa so happy and peaceful. She was presented to the Queen, who kissed her. Also H.M. kissed me, and asked which was the sister going to be married. Drum at Stafford H. in honour of the Viceroy.
—The Queen held a breakfast [FN: I.e. a Garden Party.] in Buckingham Palace Gardens, so brilliant and pretty it was ; gowns of every colour of the rainbow ; canary from head to foot amongst others ! Papa and Sybella were there ; how it is one takes that so calmly I can't tell, but so it is. The 2 new romances swallow it up, and it is restful to see Papa so happy and peaceful. She was presented to the Queen, who kissed her. Also H.M. kissed me, and asked which was the sister going to be married. Drum at Stafford H. in honour of the Viceroy.
21Jun1869, Generally With the Poor
LONDON, June 21st, 1869.
—Eastward. I tried to talk to a miserable girl who knew absolutely nothing of religion, but it was bewilderingly difficult, having nothing in common to start from, and no time to go really into it. 0 how it made me feel my own impotence! Generally with the poor you feel an intense sympathy in common : indeed they leave one far behind in strong personal faith : and then the Bible words are a consoling harmony.
—Eastward. I tried to talk to a miserable girl who knew absolutely nothing of religion, but it was bewilderingly difficult, having nothing in common to start from, and no time to go really into it. 0 how it made me feel my own impotence! Generally with the poor you feel an intense sympathy in common : indeed they leave one far behind in strong personal faith : and then the Bible words are a consoling harmony.
18Jun1869, Back to the Fires
LONDON, June 18th, 1869.
—All this time it is so cold we have been driven back to fires.
—All this time it is so cold we have been driven back to fires.
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
17Jun1869, Irish Church Bill Second Reading
LONDON, June 17th, 1869.
—Oh dear, dear ! political life has quite dropt out amid this excitement [FN: I.e. of her sister Lavinia's engagement to Edward Talbot : and her younger sister May's very brief engagement to Edward Denison. The latter had to be broken off, as his uncle, Speaker Denison, would not consent.] ! On Tuesday afternoon I had what was a huge treat in spite of other thoughts : a place with Mrs. Byng at the H. of Lords. They are debating upon the second reading of the Irish Church Bill, and we heard the Bp. of Peterborough (Magee) speak splendidly : wonderfully eloquent, brilliant and witty, and almost persuasive in spite of the badness of his case, for he is dead against the 2nd reading, and ended his speech with a fiery appeal to the Lords to run their heads against the wall by turning out the Bill. We also heard Ld. Grey ; it was good but difficult to hear ; he is a "leveller-up." Archbishop Trench was so fearfully grubous and grim, it was like nothing so much as a passing bell, and he is said to have called the House "my brethren" more than once !
—Oh dear, dear ! political life has quite dropt out amid this excitement [FN: I.e. of her sister Lavinia's engagement to Edward Talbot : and her younger sister May's very brief engagement to Edward Denison. The latter had to be broken off, as his uncle, Speaker Denison, would not consent.] ! On Tuesday afternoon I had what was a huge treat in spite of other thoughts : a place with Mrs. Byng at the H. of Lords. They are debating upon the second reading of the Irish Church Bill, and we heard the Bp. of Peterborough (Magee) speak splendidly : wonderfully eloquent, brilliant and witty, and almost persuasive in spite of the badness of his case, for he is dead against the 2nd reading, and ended his speech with a fiery appeal to the Lords to run their heads against the wall by turning out the Bill. We also heard Ld. Grey ; it was good but difficult to hear ; he is a "leveller-up." Archbishop Trench was so fearfully grubous and grim, it was like nothing so much as a passing bell, and he is said to have called the House "my brethren" more than once !
10Jun1869, Papa and Sybella are Married
02Jun1869, Dined Dullissimus Major
LONDON, June 2nd, 1869.
—Workhouse with Lavinia. Spencer breakfasts every morning with us. We had some snug reading, and went together at 5 to the R. Academy in its fine new rooms. Some good Millais and Landseers. Dined (dullissimus major) at Ly. Milton's ; I was lucky enough to sit by Aunt Fanny, or I should have gone to sleep.
—Workhouse with Lavinia. Spencer breakfasts every morning with us. We had some snug reading, and went together at 5 to the R. Academy in its fine new rooms. Some good Millais and Landseers. Dined (dullissimus major) at Ly. Milton's ; I was lucky enough to sit by Aunt Fanny, or I should have gone to sleep.
25May1869, The White May is Coming Out
CHATSWORTH, May 25th, 1869.
—It is a sad blow having to wear one's winter things and have regular fires at this time of year. It was pretty fine in the afternoon, and even E. winds can't help things smelling sweet ; the white May is coming out at last. May and I rode with F., who came back to luncheon ; I on Salvolatile, a charming little beast. China went on merrily, specially the clearing out of a wonderful ménagerie of odds and ends, knick-knacks and gimcracks, from the cabinet in the 1st state-room. [FN: This was china brought from Chiswick and now being placed at Chatsworth. Chiswick was not inhabited by any of the Duke's relations after the Duchess of Southerland's death.]
—It is a sad blow having to wear one's winter things and have regular fires at this time of year. It was pretty fine in the afternoon, and even E. winds can't help things smelling sweet ; the white May is coming out at last. May and I rode with F., who came back to luncheon ; I on Salvolatile, a charming little beast. China went on merrily, specially the clearing out of a wonderful ménagerie of odds and ends, knick-knacks and gimcracks, from the cabinet in the 1st state-room. [FN: This was china brought from Chiswick and now being placed at Chatsworth. Chiswick was not inhabited by any of the Duke's relations after the Duchess of Southerland's death.]
24May1869, Auntie P Overworked
Monday, January 25, 2010
18May1869, Finished "Phineas Finn"
CHATSWORTH, May 18th, 1869.
—Finished "Phineas Finn" [FN: Anthony Trollope's novel. I have heard it described by a Cabinet Minister as the truest picture of Parliamentary life in English fiction, And he quoted a Prime Minister who shared his opinion.] ; it has cleverness and some successful characters, but is a disagreeable, sham sort of book.
—Finished "Phineas Finn" [FN: Anthony Trollope's novel. I have heard it described by a Cabinet Minister as the truest picture of Parliamentary life in English fiction, And he quoted a Prime Minister who shared his opinion.] ; it has cleverness and some successful characters, but is a disagreeable, sham sort of book.
28Apr1869, Meeting Mrs. Mildmay
LONDON, April 28th, 1869.
—Meriel, the girls, and I and Charles, all saw Mrs. Mildmay for the 1st time at George St., Papa bringing her. It must have been even more awful for her than for us ! We all liked her much ; she is not in the least pretty, and looks some years older than she is (33), but she has a dear good face, and nice, steadfast-looking, kind eyes ; a very sweet voice, and a manner at once dignified and gentle. The children were brought down for her to see, which was a great help in the desperate stiffness and shyness of all parties. She first saw the girls alone and was very nice to them : begged them to think of her as a sister and to call her Sybella ; and to tell her everything Papa liked.
—Meriel, the girls, and I and Charles, all saw Mrs. Mildmay for the 1st time at George St., Papa bringing her. It must have been even more awful for her than for us ! We all liked her much ; she is not in the least pretty, and looks some years older than she is (33), but she has a dear good face, and nice, steadfast-looking, kind eyes ; a very sweet voice, and a manner at once dignified and gentle. The children were brought down for her to see, which was a great help in the desperate stiffness and shyness of all parties. She first saw the girls alone and was very nice to them : begged them to think of her as a sister and to call her Sybella ; and to tell her everything Papa liked.
27Apr1869, Papa is Engaged
LONDON, April 27th, 1869.
—It was a day of a great event ; Papa's engagement to Mrs. Mildmay, née Clive, was settled. I have said nothing about this before in my journal, but for months some of us have known and thought about it ; and now, thank God, we can all feel thankful that it has been brought to pass. There has been no managing or interference ; it has come about quite rightly and naturally, and so one can rest in the certainty that it is God's hand that has led dear Papa to this "evening-time light." He is very happy. She seems to be the very person one could have wished for ; we do not know her, but there is only one voice as to her goodness and gentleness and sense ; she is also very clever and accomplished.
—It was a day of a great event ; Papa's engagement to Mrs. Mildmay, née Clive, was settled. I have said nothing about this before in my journal, but for months some of us have known and thought about it ; and now, thank God, we can all feel thankful that it has been brought to pass. There has been no managing or interference ; it has come about quite rightly and naturally, and so one can rest in the certainty that it is God's hand that has led dear Papa to this "evening-time light." He is very happy. She seems to be the very person one could have wished for ; we do not know her, but there is only one voice as to her goodness and gentleness and sense ; she is also very clever and accomplished.
24Apr1869, Newly-Arranged National Gallery
LONDON, April 24th, 1869.
—Drove with the girls card-dropping ; they shopped, not I, viewing Saturday. [FN: She was active in the movement for closing shops on Saturday afternoon.] The shops in Regent Street are very generally closed. Dev. House late. F. and I went to a private view of the newly-arranged National Gallery, which now takes up the R. Academy rooms. It is delightfully well done. Dined at the Clarendons' ; meeting Seftons (0 dear ! he nearly drives me wild with his wonderful noise and bad style), Brunnows, Sir H. and Ly. Howard, Lord and Ly. Grey, Miss Lister, etc. The Clarendons in high delight at Lord Hyde's victory at Brecon over young Lord Claud Hamilton ; both had been beaten before. Drum at Ly. de Grey's with Lavinia.
—Drove with the girls card-dropping ; they shopped, not I, viewing Saturday. [FN: She was active in the movement for closing shops on Saturday afternoon.] The shops in Regent Street are very generally closed. Dev. House late. F. and I went to a private view of the newly-arranged National Gallery, which now takes up the R. Academy rooms. It is delightfully well done. Dined at the Clarendons' ; meeting Seftons (0 dear ! he nearly drives me wild with his wonderful noise and bad style), Brunnows, Sir H. and Ly. Howard, Lord and Ly. Grey, Miss Lister, etc. The Clarendons in high delight at Lord Hyde's victory at Brecon over young Lord Claud Hamilton ; both had been beaten before. Drum at Ly. de Grey's with Lavinia.
22Apr1869, Charlie Wood Marries Lady Cortenay
LONDON, April 22nd, 1869.
—Mr. Charlie Wood [FN: Now Viscount Halifax.] married Lady Agnes Courtenay : they received the H. Communion afterwards and the service took an hour and a half.
—Mr. Charlie Wood [FN: Now Viscount Halifax.] married Lady Agnes Courtenay : they received the H. Communion afterwards and the service took an hour and a half.
20Apr1869, Windsor Visit Ends
LONDON, April 20th, 1869.
—Princess Louise saw me to say good-bye, and so ends my new experience of Court life. Got back before 12. Went to see Lou. ; Cavendish came to dinner, and was a little cross and disloyal, I think on purpose to aggravate me.
—Princess Louise saw me to say good-bye, and so ends my new experience of Court life. Got back before 12. Went to see Lou. ; Cavendish came to dinner, and was a little cross and disloyal, I think on purpose to aggravate me.
Saturday, January 02, 2010
19Apr1869, Another Day at Windsor
WINDSOR, April 19th, 1869.
—At 4.30 I drove with the Queen and Princess Beatrice, and she took me again into the mausoleum, showing great pride and delight in it. The little Princess is very taking and intelligent, and rather pretty. We drove by Clewer and came back by the kitchen garden, where we had tea, the Queen making it and the little Princess jabbering away. My head is quite turned by the Queen sending me her 2 books ("Early Years" and "The Highlands"), with my name written by herself, "dear Lucy Cavendish." Dinner very pleasant, the Dean of Windsor [FN: Dean Wellesley] and the Ponsonbys coming ; the Dean talks straightforwardly and bluntly to the Queen, which she seems to like, and the conversation was animated. The Dean tries to get any notable preacher to preach before the Queen, and he said he had been much struck with a sermon of Mr. King's, the Cuddesdon Principal, and meant to get him. Talking of someone calling himself a Churchman because it might be supposed to answer better, "Humph," said the Dean, "it doesn't seem to answer particularly well nowadays!" The Queen saw the allusion at once, and laughed extremely. After dinner she and the Dean had a long confidential talk on the Irish Church. She told Cavendish, "Mr. Gladstone and I do not agree about the Irish Church, and he does not talk much to me about it." Nevertheless I know he has been pleased and struck with her conduct to him.
—At 4.30 I drove with the Queen and Princess Beatrice, and she took me again into the mausoleum, showing great pride and delight in it. The little Princess is very taking and intelligent, and rather pretty. We drove by Clewer and came back by the kitchen garden, where we had tea, the Queen making it and the little Princess jabbering away. My head is quite turned by the Queen sending me her 2 books ("Early Years" and "The Highlands"), with my name written by herself, "dear Lucy Cavendish." Dinner very pleasant, the Dean of Windsor [FN: Dean Wellesley] and the Ponsonbys coming ; the Dean talks straightforwardly and bluntly to the Queen, which she seems to like, and the conversation was animated. The Dean tries to get any notable preacher to preach before the Queen, and he said he had been much struck with a sermon of Mr. King's, the Cuddesdon Principal, and meant to get him. Talking of someone calling himself a Churchman because it might be supposed to answer better, "Humph," said the Dean, "it doesn't seem to answer particularly well nowadays!" The Queen saw the allusion at once, and laughed extremely. After dinner she and the Dean had a long confidential talk on the Irish Church. She told Cavendish, "Mr. Gladstone and I do not agree about the Irish Church, and he does not talk much to me about it." Nevertheless I know he has been pleased and struck with her conduct to him.
18Apr1869, All the Wales Children
WINDSOR, April 18th, 1869.
—Mr. White, of the Savoy Chapel, preached beautifully in the private Chapel, S. George's ; they sang "I beheld, and lo." The Christians were there, and Princess Louise, but she was sub rosa in the Queen's gallery. We saw all the Wales children in the corridor ; the eldest is generally called "Prince Eddy," which gives one hopes of having a King Edward again some day. He is like the Princess and very pretty ; all have the most dazzling fair complexions. Prince George, however, is hardly pretty, but looks a wag ; Princess Louise a tiny edition of Princess Alice ; and the baby a placid white creature, with prominent bright blue eyes, exactly like the Queen. All are terribly tiny and miniature in scale. I dined with the Queen ; the d'Alençons came, and we were very stiff and dull.
—Mr. White, of the Savoy Chapel, preached beautifully in the private Chapel, S. George's ; they sang "I beheld, and lo." The Christians were there, and Princess Louise, but she was sub rosa in the Queen's gallery. We saw all the Wales children in the corridor ; the eldest is generally called "Prince Eddy," which gives one hopes of having a King Edward again some day. He is like the Princess and very pretty ; all have the most dazzling fair complexions. Prince George, however, is hardly pretty, but looks a wag ; Princess Louise a tiny edition of Princess Alice ; and the baby a placid white creature, with prominent bright blue eyes, exactly like the Queen. All are terribly tiny and miniature in scale. I dined with the Queen ; the d'Alençons came, and we were very stiff and dull.
17Apr1869, Getting the Queen Out of Isolation
WINDSOR, April 17th, 1869.
—Unluckily it is chilly and stormy. The Queen, etc., went off in open carriages to a review at Aldershot. At 4½ we went to S. George's, where we had the great good fortune of coming in for "Sleepers, awake." Afterwards we drove together to Frogmore, and I had a long sit, first with Princess Helena, then with both her and her husband. She sent for her two children : the little 2-year-old a very pretty, attractive dot, the baby magnificent, but plain. It's nice to see such complete Darby and Joan happiness ; the Princess told me all about her long ill-health before the baby's birth, and her husband's devotion and care of her ; and indeed he looks a thorough bonhomme. I screwed up my courage, and when the Princess began upon the subject, I talked about the great desirability of the Queen's being near London during as much as may be of the session ; the journey to Scotland in May might well be conceded, if she would but give up Osborne at this time. Princess Helena said she believed it was a thing the Prime Minister could speak to the Queen about, but that he had far better put it plainly upon her duty as head of affairs, and, above all, not use the "People say" argument, which, she said, "exasperates Mamma." I dined again with the Queen. Who should be there but Cavendish ! It was great fun meeting him for the 1st time on his good behaviour. He enlivened the dinner a good deal. Whist.
—Unluckily it is chilly and stormy. The Queen, etc., went off in open carriages to a review at Aldershot. At 4½ we went to S. George's, where we had the great good fortune of coming in for "Sleepers, awake." Afterwards we drove together to Frogmore, and I had a long sit, first with Princess Helena, then with both her and her husband. She sent for her two children : the little 2-year-old a very pretty, attractive dot, the baby magnificent, but plain. It's nice to see such complete Darby and Joan happiness ; the Princess told me all about her long ill-health before the baby's birth, and her husband's devotion and care of her ; and indeed he looks a thorough bonhomme. I screwed up my courage, and when the Princess began upon the subject, I talked about the great desirability of the Queen's being near London during as much as may be of the session ; the journey to Scotland in May might well be conceded, if she would but give up Osborne at this time. Princess Helena said she believed it was a thing the Prime Minister could speak to the Queen about, but that he had far better put it plainly upon her duty as head of affairs, and, above all, not use the "People say" argument, which, she said, "exasperates Mamma." I dined again with the Queen. Who should be there but Cavendish ! It was great fun meeting him for the 1st time on his good behaviour. He enlivened the dinner a good deal. Whist.
16Apr1869, Back at Windsor
WINDSOR, April 16th, 1869.
—Here I am the very same days of the month as that last Windsor waiting of mine. The Queen and her outriders clattered into the court just as I flied up [FN: I.e., of course, drove up in a fly.]; and May soon turned up. I went to her room, and Florence Seymour's my successor, and was vividly reminded, not of Queens and castles and curtseys, but of my Fred and all I was then thinking about him! I dined with the Queen, who greeted me very kindly and affectionately, as did Princess Christian and Princess Louise. The company was the Christians, Ly. Gainsborough (in waiting), Lady Churchill, as engaging as ever, Ld. Normanby, and Gen. Seymour (not my friend). Col. Ponsonby, Sir J. Cowell, Gen. Grey, Ly. Bridport, and Lady Susan Melville were in the drawing-room ; and I played at whist just as of old. But, before leaving the Queen, she talked some time to me after dinner, and so did the Princesses. I thought the Queen very well and cheerful, and as full of gracious charm and simplicity as ever.
—Here I am the very same days of the month as that last Windsor waiting of mine. The Queen and her outriders clattered into the court just as I flied up [FN: I.e., of course, drove up in a fly.]; and May soon turned up. I went to her room, and Florence Seymour's my successor, and was vividly reminded, not of Queens and castles and curtseys, but of my Fred and all I was then thinking about him! I dined with the Queen, who greeted me very kindly and affectionately, as did Princess Christian and Princess Louise. The company was the Christians, Ly. Gainsborough (in waiting), Lady Churchill, as engaging as ever, Ld. Normanby, and Gen. Seymour (not my friend). Col. Ponsonby, Sir J. Cowell, Gen. Grey, Ly. Bridport, and Lady Susan Melville were in the drawing-room ; and I played at whist just as of old. But, before leaving the Queen, she talked some time to me after dinner, and so did the Princesses. I thought the Queen very well and cheerful, and as full of gracious charm and simplicity as ever.
15Apr1869, Invitation to Windsor
LONDON, April 15th, 1869.
—An invitation to Windsor for 3 nights ! ! the dear Queen hasn't seen me since I married. She won't have Fred ; I feel sure she has never forgiven him for standing on one leg and forgetting his manners that courting time at Osborne. Dreadfully flustered am I. Went to see the babe [FN: Lady Louisa Egerton's second son, Frederick ; he died of wounds received at Ladysmith in 1899.] nevertheless. Drove with dignity, dropping cards with Auntie P., in the ducal barouche.
—An invitation to Windsor for 3 nights ! ! the dear Queen hasn't seen me since I married. She won't have Fred ; I feel sure she has never forgiven him for standing on one leg and forgetting his manners that courting time at Osborne. Dreadfully flustered am I. Went to see the babe [FN: Lady Louisa Egerton's second son, Frederick ; he died of wounds received at Ladysmith in 1899.] nevertheless. Drove with dignity, dropping cards with Auntie P., in the ducal barouche.
10Apr1869, New Fashions
LONDON, April 10th, 1869.
—Dined at Sir Ch. Trevelyan's, meeting the W. James's and daughter, etc. I wore a square-cut blue silk trimmed with lace, with full hanging sleeves and a little lace and blue topknot ; a new fashion for London and destined, I hope, to cut out low gowns ! But alas ! at Lady de Grey's afterwards I was the only person minus shoulders.
—Dined at Sir Ch. Trevelyan's, meeting the W. James's and daughter, etc. I wore a square-cut blue silk trimmed with lace, with full hanging sleeves and a little lace and blue topknot ; a new fashion for London and destined, I hope, to cut out low gowns ! But alas ! at Lady de Grey's afterwards I was the only person minus shoulders.
03Apr1869, A New Theatre
LONDON, April 3rd, 1869.
—Evening alone ; we junketed off to the charming new theatre, the Gaiety, and saw a good comedy and a bad burlesque. The comedy, "Dreams."
—Evening alone ; we junketed off to the charming new theatre, the Gaiety, and saw a good comedy and a bad burlesque. The comedy, "Dreams."
28Mar1869, Snowy Easter at Chatsworth
CHATSWORTH, March 28th, 1869. Easter Day.
—A day that made me rather Hagley sick. All the morning there were howling snowstorms ; however, we fought our way to church ; but, 0, the cold, frozen services, giving one the terrible impression that nobody cared, and the scanty congregation. About 15 communicants.
—A day that made me rather Hagley sick. All the morning there were howling snowstorms ; however, we fought our way to church ; but, 0, the cold, frozen services, giving one the terrible impression that nobody cared, and the scanty congregation. About 15 communicants.
21Mar1869, A Sermon at Whitehall
LONDON, March 21st, 1869.
—Whitehall [FN: The Chapel Royal at Whitehall, now the United Service Museum], where Mr. Kingsley preached almost the most interesting sermon I ever heard, riveting one, in spite of ungainly delivery and harsh voice.
—Whitehall [FN: The Chapel Royal at Whitehall, now the United Service Museum], where Mr. Kingsley preached almost the most interesting sermon I ever heard, riveting one, in spite of ungainly delivery and harsh voice.
20Mar1869, Another Subject
LONDON, March 20th, 1869.
—Dined with the Bruces ; I was luckily placed between him and Sir G. Grey. Mr. B.[FN: Afterwards 1st Lord Aberdare.] said there was only 1 subject on which Uncle W. did not seem well up and interested, viz., National Education ! ! A large one.
—Dined with the Bruces ; I was luckily placed between him and Sir G. Grey. Mr. B.[FN: Afterwards 1st Lord Aberdare.] said there was only 1 subject on which Uncle W. did not seem well up and interested, viz., National Education ! ! A large one.
19Mar1869, Bright Spoke Like Isaiah
LONDON, March 19th, 1869.
—Bright spoke grandly, rather like Isaiah! His voice is painfully hoarse, and he is astonishingly aged ; but it doesn't mar the effect much.
—Bright spoke grandly, rather like Isaiah! His voice is painfully hoarse, and he is astonishingly aged ; but it doesn't mar the effect much.
13Mar1869, The Underground Railway
LONDON, March 13th, 1869.
—F. and I larked off to the S. Kensington Museum on foot, and thence to Portland Road by underground Railway ; my first experience of it. It was charming and wonderful, and far less underground than I expected. Walked from the station to All Saints' Workhouse.
—F. and I larked off to the S. Kensington Museum on foot, and thence to Portland Road by underground Railway ; my first experience of it. It was charming and wonderful, and far less underground than I expected. Walked from the station to All Saints' Workhouse.
12Mar1869, A Mug from Leveson
LONDON, March 12th, 1869.
—Dined at No. 11 with the Great Man and his daughters (Auntie P. and Mazy in bed ! resting) ; he was high-gee a little old Dresden mug given him by Ronald Leveson [FN: Lord Ronald Leveson-Gower, the author and dilettante.], sending for it at dinner to show off, and saying it was the fulfilment of the "dream of his life" to have such a shaped cup to drink coffee out of, but rather perplexed how to drink out of it at all, viewing the lid, which will stick into one's cheek. (N.B.—It is an undeniable mustard-pot!)
—Dined at No. 11 with the Great Man and his daughters (Auntie P. and Mazy in bed ! resting) ; he was high-gee a little old Dresden mug given him by Ronald Leveson [FN: Lord Ronald Leveson-Gower, the author and dilettante.], sending for it at dinner to show off, and saying it was the fulfilment of the "dream of his life" to have such a shaped cup to drink coffee out of, but rather perplexed how to drink out of it at all, viewing the lid, which will stick into one's cheek. (N.B.—It is an undeniable mustard-pot!)
02Mar1869, People Rave of the Speech
LONDON, March 2nd, 1869.
—Smart dinner at Mr. and Ly. Margaret Beaumont's ; sat between Lord Clarendon and Mr. Trevelyan, and was too well off. I was dying to hear what was going on between Ly. M., Ld. Salisbury and Ld. Clarendon. People rave of the speech and of Uncle W.'s moderation.
—Smart dinner at Mr. and Ly. Margaret Beaumont's ; sat between Lord Clarendon and Mr. Trevelyan, and was too well off. I was dying to hear what was going on between Ly. M., Ld. Salisbury and Ld. Clarendon. People rave of the speech and of Uncle W.'s moderation.
01Mar1869, The Great Irish Church Bill
LONDON, March 1st, 1869.—Workhouse. It is very wrong and shocking, how they allow poor people to die in the midst of a crowded ward, without even a curtain to draw round the bed. There was one woman dying to-day, but I think "earth was passed, and earthly pain," and that she was as much shut out from all around her as in the most carefully-guarded sick-room.
This moment, there so low,
So agonized, and now
Beyond the stars !
I drove after luncheon, and called on Ly. Trevelyan ; then to the House, where Uncle William brought in the great Irish Church Bill, in a grand, elaborate, beautifully arranged and digested, speech of 3 hours which appeared to leave out no detail ; and ending with one of his best and most heartfelt appeals, spoken with a voice wonderfully ringing and untired though full of emotion.
This moment, there so low,
So agonized, and now
Beyond the stars !
I drove after luncheon, and called on Ly. Trevelyan ; then to the House, where Uncle William brought in the great Irish Church Bill, in a grand, elaborate, beautifully arranged and digested, speech of 3 hours which appeared to leave out no detail ; and ending with one of his best and most heartfelt appeals, spoken with a voice wonderfully ringing and untired though full of emotion.
25Feb1869, Not Baptized
LONDON, February 25th, 1869.
—I spoke to Head a day or two ago, asking him whether he had been confirmed, and to-day discovered, to my horror, that he has never been baptized ! having been bred up a Baptist, and taken to church-going as he grew up, when the Baptists generally are baptized. Must try and induce him to have it done.
—I spoke to Head a day or two ago, asking him whether he had been confirmed, and to-day discovered, to my horror, that he has never been baptized ! having been bred up a Baptist, and taken to church-going as he grew up, when the Baptists generally are baptized. Must try and induce him to have it done.
20Feb1869, Charlotte is called Spencer's Fairy Queen
12Feb1869, Coursing in the Park
HOLKER, February 12th, 1869.
—Coursing came off in the mosses and the park ; Ld. R., Margaret, and I drove with Aunt Coque in the sociable, and the fat cockney coachman got so excited that he drove us down impossible places over the grass, to Aunt Coque's delight and Uncle Dick's terror.
—Coursing came off in the mosses and the park ; Ld. R., Margaret, and I drove with Aunt Coque in the sociable, and the fat cockney coachman got so excited that he drove us down impossible places over the grass, to Aunt Coque's delight and Uncle Dick's terror.
03Feb1869, There has been no winter
HOLKER, February 3rd, 1869.
—Soft, grey, and pleasant with silver light upon the sea. There has been no winter, whatever we may be going to have by way of spring. Some rhododendrons are out in the garden.
—Soft, grey, and pleasant with silver light upon the sea. There has been no winter, whatever we may be going to have by way of spring. Some rhododendrons are out in the garden.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
25Jan1869, Reading List
HOLKER, January 25th, 1869.
—Horrible wet gloomy day. No outing. Little William began to crawl ! I am reading Jeremy Taylor's "Liberty of Prophesying" and Lockhart with F., Senior's Journal (instead of "Greater Britain") to the Womankind, Hume, Cowper's Life and Letters and Mr. Suckling's Life to myself, and an occasional bit of Froude with B.
—Horrible wet gloomy day. No outing. Little William began to crawl ! I am reading Jeremy Taylor's "Liberty of Prophesying" and Lockhart with F., Senior's Journal (instead of "Greater Britain") to the Womankind, Hume, Cowper's Life and Letters and Mr. Suckling's Life to myself, and an occasional bit of Froude with B.
09Jan1869, Going Away
HAGLEY, January 9th, 1869.
—Darling Alfred took me to the station ; he turns my head by expressing affection ! and being so sorry I am going, in the most winsome way.
—Darling Alfred took me to the station ; he turns my head by expressing affection ! and being so sorry I am going, in the most winsome way.
31Dec1868, Low and Pathetic Today
HAGLEY, December 31st, 1868.
—I believe nobody ever had the dayums as I have ; I feel low and pathetic today, and shall be in high spirits to-morrow !
—I believe nobody ever had the dayums as I have ; I feel low and pathetic today, and shall be in high spirits to-morrow !
08Dec1868, Postmaster Cavendish
CHATSWORTH, December 8th, 1868.
—Cavendish telegraphed that he has accepted the Postmastership-General, with a seat in the Cabinet ; and he also wrote by post that Uncle W. had been very cordial, not pressing him to take Ireland, tho' saying that he thought it an important post just now, and showing that the want of a seat in Parliament was the only thing that made a difficulty about the Cabinet. This is supposed to be not insuperable, and the upshot was that he was offered the Home Office. But Mr. Bruce has evidently a higher claim to that, and Cavendish said that he would not stand in his way. Then the Post Office was settled.
—Cavendish telegraphed that he has accepted the Postmastership-General, with a seat in the Cabinet ; and he also wrote by post that Uncle W. had been very cordial, not pressing him to take Ireland, tho' saying that he thought it an important post just now, and showing that the want of a seat in Parliament was the only thing that made a difficulty about the Cabinet. This is supposed to be not insuperable, and the upshot was that he was offered the Home Office. But Mr. Bruce has evidently a higher claim to that, and Cavendish said that he would not stand in his way. Then the Post Office was settled.
07Dec1868, Another Proposed
CHATSWORTH, December 7th, 1868.
—He telegraphed "Ireland over ; another proposed." This is exciting. I rode with Lord George, Louey, and Mr. Strutt. Empress chose to kick.
—He telegraphed "Ireland over ; another proposed." This is exciting. I rode with Lord George, Louey, and Mr. Strutt. Empress chose to kick.
06Dec1868, Offer Far From Suitable
CHATSWORTH, December 6th, 1868.
—Cavendish got a private letter from Uncle W. offering him the Lord-Lieutenancy of Ireland, regretting that his being out of Parliament prevents his entering the Cabinet. The letter kind and cordial, but it is a considerable blow, as Cavendish's successful and steady work at the War Office in '66, and the Duke's 4 great contests just now, seemed to give him a claim. But there are many men of longer standing and higher claims, and this offer is of course a great compliment failing the Cabinet ; only it is far from suitable for a young bachelor ! The thing was kept as nearly secret as was compatible with Freddy, Eddy, Lord George, and Lou being married people ! Cavendish went up to London by the night train, intending to decline unless much pressed.
—Cavendish got a private letter from Uncle W. offering him the Lord-Lieutenancy of Ireland, regretting that his being out of Parliament prevents his entering the Cabinet. The letter kind and cordial, but it is a considerable blow, as Cavendish's successful and steady work at the War Office in '66, and the Duke's 4 great contests just now, seemed to give him a claim. But there are many men of longer standing and higher claims, and this offer is of course a great compliment failing the Cabinet ; only it is far from suitable for a young bachelor ! The thing was kept as nearly secret as was compatible with Freddy, Eddy, Lord George, and Lou being married people ! Cavendish went up to London by the night train, intending to decline unless much pressed.
27Nov1868, Lies About Popery
CHATSWORTH, November 27th, 1868.
—The two beaten brethren, Cavendish and Eddy, came home ; both cheery about it, but it was a great blow to both. Poor Emma much grieved ; and we are all rather rabid. "No Popery" has served Dizzy well in the counties ; the discoveries are remarkable anent it ; Mr. Gladstone and his wife are papists, one of his daughters is an abbess, and the Cavendishes for years past have been the tools of the Pope ! ! ! !
The Eddies delighted with their baby, who is indeed charming, always crowing and chirping with fun, and smiling all over his face like Eddy ; while his kicks are untiring.
—The two beaten brethren, Cavendish and Eddy, came home ; both cheery about it, but it was a great blow to both. Poor Emma much grieved ; and we are all rather rabid. "No Popery" has served Dizzy well in the counties ; the discoveries are remarkable anent it ; Mr. Gladstone and his wife are papists, one of his daughters is an abbess, and the Cavendishes for years past have been the tools of the Pope ! ! ! !
The Eddies delighted with their baby, who is indeed charming, always crowing and chirping with fun, and smiling all over his face like Eddy ; while his kicks are untiring.
25Nov1868, Eddy Defeated
CHATSWORTH, November 25th, 1868.
—We heard just before dinner last night the wretched news of Eddy's defeat by 120 ; and we do feel small and miserable. The counties are outrageously Tory.
—We heard just before dinner last night the wretched news of Eddy's defeat by 120 ; and we do feel small and miserable. The counties are outrageously Tory.
21Nov1868, Cavendish Beaten
CHATSWORTH, November 21st, 1868.
—A grievous disaster ! Cavendish beaten yesterday by 1,400 after all his hard work and F.'s canvassing and the indefatigable labours of friends and agents. We had not much hope, but didn't expect anything so hollow. The worst of it is, that it is as good as farewell, politically speaking, to N. Lancashire, after his 11 years' connexion with it and all the home ties.
—A grievous disaster ! Cavendish beaten yesterday by 1,400 after all his hard work and F.'s canvassing and the indefatigable labours of friends and agents. We had not much hope, but didn't expect anything so hollow. The worst of it is, that it is as good as farewell, politically speaking, to N. Lancashire, after his 11 years' connexion with it and all the home ties.
20Nov1868, Nominated at Bradford
ESHTON, November 20th, 1868.
—Our nomination was at Bradford, where, in spite of the borough having just ended its own desperate fight, about 2,000 people collected in front of the hustings. They were rather dull and silent during Sir F. Crossley's speech, but it was delightful to see them warm up into great enthusiasm during F.'s speech, which was the best I ever heard him make, vigorous, earnest, pointed, and with the sort of eloquence which comes out of deep conviction. He was trembling, not with nervousness, but enthusiasm. I nearly burst ! Afterwards came a big luncheon, when he was very warmly cheered. We got home for dinner, and were met by the capital news of Frank's and Mr. Strutt's victory.
—Our nomination was at Bradford, where, in spite of the borough having just ended its own desperate fight, about 2,000 people collected in front of the hustings. They were rather dull and silent during Sir F. Crossley's speech, but it was delightful to see them warm up into great enthusiasm during F.'s speech, which was the best I ever heard him make, vigorous, earnest, pointed, and with the sort of eloquence which comes out of deep conviction. He was trembling, not with nervousness, but enthusiasm. I nearly burst ! Afterwards came a big luncheon, when he was very warmly cheered. We got home for dinner, and were met by the capital news of Frank's and Mr. Strutt's victory.
14Nov1868, A Stump Speech
HOLKER, November 14th, 1868.
—Enjoyed myself much, going with Cavendish (tête-à-tête killing ! F. to Preston) to Ulverston, for his last meeting before the nomination. He spoke better than ever, said everybody, and indeed it was an excellent speech, exhaustive, well-argued, straightforward, spirited, and only just short of eloquent in parts, his only fault on the stump seems to be rather over-much gravity ; but the Lancashire people don't dislike that. I got highly excited, and so did the meeting. The energetic Mr. Fell entertained us at luncheon ; his little girls of 3 and 4 were over the moon, expecting to see a coach with bright-red flunkies ; I fear they were sadly disappointed.
—Enjoyed myself much, going with Cavendish (tête-à-tête killing ! F. to Preston) to Ulverston, for his last meeting before the nomination. He spoke better than ever, said everybody, and indeed it was an excellent speech, exhaustive, well-argued, straightforward, spirited, and only just short of eloquent in parts, his only fault on the stump seems to be rather over-much gravity ; but the Lancashire people don't dislike that. I got highly excited, and so did the meeting. The energetic Mr. Fell entertained us at luncheon ; his little girls of 3 and 4 were over the moon, expecting to see a coach with bright-red flunkies ; I fear they were sadly disappointed.
02Nov1868, Holker in the Glow of Autumn
HOLKER, November 2nd, 1868.
—Splendid day of many colours and glorious W. wind. F. to Barrow, but came home to luncheon and rode with me quite late in a stormy afternoon to Grange ; it was very nice ! and I enjoyed a tremendous spatter of rain when we were full go. In the morning, Mary [FN: Mary Gladstone.] and I went to Humphrey Head, and had a grand fight with the wind ; the sea quite uppish ; we went down to the extreme point and were such babies as to do a little paddling barefooted in the waves. I never saw this place in the full glow of autumn before, and it is a treat.
—Splendid day of many colours and glorious W. wind. F. to Barrow, but came home to luncheon and rode with me quite late in a stormy afternoon to Grange ; it was very nice ! and I enjoyed a tremendous spatter of rain when we were full go. In the morning, Mary [FN: Mary Gladstone.] and I went to Humphrey Head, and had a grand fight with the wind ; the sea quite uppish ; we went down to the extreme point and were such babies as to do a little paddling barefooted in the waves. I never saw this place in the full glow of autumn before, and it is a treat.
21Oct1868, Marriage of Whig and Tory
HOLKER, October 21st, 1868.
—Edith Campbell [FN: Daughter of the Duke of Argyll.] is to marry Ld. Percy! [FN: Afterwards 7th Duke of Northumberland.] a nice, good, pleasant youth, just grown up ; Presbyterian and Irvingite, Whig and Tory, I wonder how it will do.
—Edith Campbell [FN: Daughter of the Duke of Argyll.] is to marry Ld. Percy! [FN: Afterwards 7th Duke of Northumberland.] a nice, good, pleasant youth, just grown up ; Presbyterian and Irvingite, Whig and Tory, I wonder how it will do.
08Oct1868, Reading Mansfield Park
HAWARDEN, October 8th, 1868
. . . . Afterwards to the Rectory to hear Granny spout "Mansfield Park" ; I coaxed Fred to stay and hear a bit, and he was impressed with her beautiful reading. Her dear voice is as musical as ever ; if there is any change it gets lower, instead of quavery as most old people.
. . . . Afterwards to the Rectory to hear Granny spout "Mansfield Park" ; I coaxed Fred to stay and hear a bit, and he was impressed with her beautiful reading. Her dear voice is as musical as ever ; if there is any change it gets lower, instead of quavery as most old people.
05Oct1868, A Good-natured Lion
HAWARDEN, October 5th, 1868.
—Uncle W. has now written his address : a very dignified and downright one. He went off all the lighter-hearted for having it off his mind, to cut down a tree with Willy. Lord Napier of Magdala [FN: Lately home from the Abyssinian Expedition and the storming of Magdala.] came, and was received with volunteers, band, and cheers, and the village-people and school-children turned out in the park. He is very quiet and simple in manner, and is rather like a good-natured lion with its claws in.
—Uncle W. has now written his address : a very dignified and downright one. He went off all the lighter-hearted for having it off his mind, to cut down a tree with Willy. Lord Napier of Magdala [FN: Lately home from the Abyssinian Expedition and the storming of Magdala.] came, and was received with volunteers, band, and cheers, and the village-people and school-children turned out in the park. He is very quiet and simple in manner, and is rather like a good-natured lion with its claws in.
01Oct1868, Uncle W. Cuts Down a Tree
HAWARDEN, October 1st, 1868.
—Uncle W. in shirtsleeves and stick-up collar cutting down a tree was a pleasing sight this afternoon. He has an axe with W. E. G. on the haft, and is like a schoolboy over it.
—Uncle W. in shirtsleeves and stick-up collar cutting down a tree was a pleasing sight this afternoon. He has an axe with W. E. G. on the haft, and is like a schoolboy over it.
02Sep1868, Heart of the Enemy's Country
HOLKER, September 2nd, 1868.
—My Fred came home to dinner, quite excited over Cavendish's success at his meetings near Preston (the heart of the enemy's country). He seems to have spoken capitally ; and was received with enthusiasm. I had the treat of telling this to the Duke, who was much delighted.
—My Fred came home to dinner, quite excited over Cavendish's success at his meetings near Preston (the heart of the enemy's country). He seems to have spoken capitally ; and was received with enthusiasm. I had the treat of telling this to the Duke, who was much delighted.
26Aug1868, Electioneering
HOLKER, August 26th, 1868.
—Cavendish and all his gentlemen went off electioneering ; F. to Bradford to do the civil to his constituents. Emma and I drove to Grange Hotel to call on the Wilson Pattens, and saw Col. P. himself. He was quite moved at the notion of our calling upon them, apparently thinking his coalition with Captain Stanley against Cavendish would make bitter enemies of us all.
—Cavendish and all his gentlemen went off electioneering ; F. to Bradford to do the civil to his constituents. Emma and I drove to Grange Hotel to call on the Wilson Pattens, and saw Col. P. himself. He was quite moved at the notion of our calling upon them, apparently thinking his coalition with Captain Stanley against Cavendish would make bitter enemies of us all.
14Aug1868, The First Private Execution
Holker, August 14th, 1868.
—Yesterday took place the 1st private execution within the prison yard, only officials and reporters being present. A thing to return thanks for, the doing away of the horrible mob-scenes.
—Yesterday took place the 1st private execution within the prison yard, only officials and reporters being present. A thing to return thanks for, the doing away of the horrible mob-scenes.
11Aug1868, Back to Dear England
HOLKER, August 11th, 1868.
—Hot night, but rainy and overcast all day : a great comfort, as the burnt-up state of the country is really dreadful. Whole tracts of railway-embankments, heaths, moors, and even cornfields have been set on fire by sparks from engines or cigars, and people in many parts are in distress from want of water. We got prosperously to dear old Holker ; thank God. Find Lou, the Duke, Cavendish, and the D. of Buccleuch. All of course have the electionums ; there is great fear for Cavendish's seat ; Frank's is pretty secure ; we as yet have no opposition. Dear England, you are not bad to come back to, with your nears and dears, your excellent washing arrangements, and your Tea !
—Hot night, but rainy and overcast all day : a great comfort, as the burnt-up state of the country is really dreadful. Whole tracts of railway-embankments, heaths, moors, and even cornfields have been set on fire by sparks from engines or cigars, and people in many parts are in distress from want of water. We got prosperously to dear old Holker ; thank God. Find Lou, the Duke, Cavendish, and the D. of Buccleuch. All of course have the electionums ; there is great fear for Cavendish's seat ; Frank's is pretty secure ; we as yet have no opposition. Dear England, you are not bad to come back to, with your nears and dears, your excellent washing arrangements, and your Tea !
09Aug1868, Not a Sunday
AACHEN, August 9th, 1868.
—Not to be counted as a Sunday at all, a horrid fact, as one hasn't too many Sundays in even the longest life. We went into the curious Cathedral ; crowded with dirty people : a sort of congregation that always makes one envious. . . .
We fitted in a fragment of our service in a horrible chapel, which had the pulpit jutting out of the wall above the altar, like the centre and object of worship.
—Not to be counted as a Sunday at all, a horrid fact, as one hasn't too many Sundays in even the longest life. We went into the curious Cathedral ; crowded with dirty people : a sort of congregation that always makes one envious. . . .
We fitted in a fragment of our service in a horrible chapel, which had the pulpit jutting out of the wall above the altar, like the centre and object of worship.
31Jul1868, A Jolly Evening
Ems, July 31st, 1868.
—We had a jolly evening, supping with the Ashleys ; Ly. Louisa Charteris was too delightful, becoming an asthmatic old Norfolk man and woman, besides crowing, purring, bleating, and gobbling to perfection. We laughed till exhaustion supervened, and did not act up to the name we have all given ourselves as lone lorn women, the reverse of Jolly Dogs, viz., the Dismal Cats.
—We had a jolly evening, supping with the Ashleys ; Ly. Louisa Charteris was too delightful, becoming an asthmatic old Norfolk man and woman, besides crowing, purring, bleating, and gobbling to perfection. We laughed till exhaustion supervened, and did not act up to the name we have all given ourselves as lone lorn women, the reverse of Jolly Dogs, viz., the Dismal Cats.
24Jul1868, High and Broad Church
Ems, July 24th, 1868.
—We drove up to the Pavilion, whence the view is lovely. Argued a good deal on the way about High and Broad Church, B. contriving to be both in a way that a little aggravates me.
—We drove up to the Pavilion, whence the view is lovely. Argued a good deal on the way about High and Broad Church, B. contriving to be both in a way that a little aggravates me.
14Jul1868, Meeting the King of Prussia
Ems, July 14th, 1868.
—I had the privilege of seeing the King [FN: The King of Prussia, afterwards the first German Emperor.] at the spring in the Curhaus ; an ugly red-nosed old gentleman.
—I had the privilege of seeing the King [FN: The King of Prussia, afterwards the first German Emperor.] at the spring in the Curhaus ; an ugly red-nosed old gentleman.
08Jul1868, To Brussels
BRUSSELS, July 8th, 1868.
—It does seem bewildering to be on the Continent again : writing my journal in an inn (Bellevue) at Brussels — the very same where we launched forth on our honeymoon 4 years ago. B. [FN: Beatrice Lascelles, sister of Lady Edward Cavendish, afterwards wife of Archbishop Temple.] joined us at Charing X. at 7.15 ; we had a perfect passage from Dover to Calais ; and got here before 7. We feel rather unprotected with only English servants, viz., Head, the Grim one, and B.'s Wilkinson.
—It does seem bewildering to be on the Continent again : writing my journal in an inn (Bellevue) at Brussels — the very same where we launched forth on our honeymoon 4 years ago. B. [FN: Beatrice Lascelles, sister of Lady Edward Cavendish, afterwards wife of Archbishop Temple.] joined us at Charing X. at 7.15 ; we had a perfect passage from Dover to Calais ; and got here before 7. We feel rather unprotected with only English servants, viz., Head, the Grim one, and B.'s Wilkinson.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
01Jul1868, Beautiful Garden Colours
LONDON, July 1st, 1868.
—Eastward and westward with Atie. P. With her and her girls at 5 to Holland House, the beautiful gardens very gay with all sorts of wonderful garments. This [FN: Sketches in the original.] is the kind of vagary one sees ! And 0 the dazzling hues ! Canary, copper tea-kettle, pea-green, strawberry-ice;-and salmon colour. Longfellow was there, I believe, but I didn't make him out.
—Eastward and westward with Atie. P. With her and her girls at 5 to Holland House, the beautiful gardens very gay with all sorts of wonderful garments. This [FN: Sketches in the original.] is the kind of vagary one sees ! And 0 the dazzling hues ! Canary, copper tea-kettle, pea-green, strawberry-ice;-and salmon colour. Longfellow was there, I believe, but I didn't make him out.
27Jun1868, The Duke is Painted
LONDON, June 27th, 1868.
—The Duke's picture is well painted and a gentlemanlike likeness, but it does not do justice to his expression, and there is something to wrongs with the right foot.
—The Duke's picture is well painted and a gentlemanlike likeness, but it does not do justice to his expression, and there is something to wrongs with the right foot.
23Jun1868, Spencer Bowed Out of the Eleven
LONDON, June 23rd, 1868.
—We are all in a frightful temper, Spencer having been bowed out of the 11 before the Oxford and Cambridge match, for not playing lately in "good form." (N.B. He got 25 runs t'other day, and, when he offered to resign after N. Zealand, it was not accepted.) He bears it with matchless philosophy ; but Papa says, "Such a thing has never happened to a son of mine before," and would have sunk under the trial, if he had not quite recovered his spirits and health.
—We are all in a frightful temper, Spencer having been bowed out of the 11 before the Oxford and Cambridge match, for not playing lately in "good form." (N.B. He got 25 runs t'other day, and, when he offered to resign after N. Zealand, it was not accepted.) He bears it with matchless philosophy ; but Papa says, "Such a thing has never happened to a son of mine before," and would have sunk under the trial, if he had not quite recovered his spirits and health.
20Jun1868, A Warning to Parry
LONDON, June 20th, 1868
—I went thro' the horrors of giving warning to Parry ; poor me, when shall I get a good creature who won't be tiffy with her fellows ?
—I went thro' the horrors of giving warning to Parry ; poor me, when shall I get a good creature who won't be tiffy with her fellows ?
14Jun1868, For the Sake of Coolness
LONDON, Sunday, June 14th, 1868.
—Abbey at 3 for the sake of coolness, but oh ! it took near 2 hours.
—Abbey at 3 for the sake of coolness, but oh ! it took near 2 hours.
12Jun1868, Fred to the Yeomanry
LONDON, June 12th, 1868.
—My horrid week of all the year began : my Fred going to Lancaster for the Yeomanry : a playing at soldiers which I cannot away with ! Went with him to D. House early, and rode with him at 12½. Very lonely and unked [FN: I cannot find "unked" in the Glynnese Glossary. Lady Frederick appears to use it almost in the sense of " uncanny."] without him. . . .
Dined at D. House, meeting Howards, Charles, and Lord Georges. Lou and Frank out. The unlucky little Eddy [FN: The present Duke of Devonshire.] is doomed to be called Victor Christian William : Duke says he would like Abraham better than Victor.
—My horrid week of all the year began : my Fred going to Lancaster for the Yeomanry : a playing at soldiers which I cannot away with ! Went with him to D. House early, and rode with him at 12½. Very lonely and unked [FN: I cannot find "unked" in the Glynnese Glossary. Lady Frederick appears to use it almost in the sense of " uncanny."] without him. . . .
Dined at D. House, meeting Howards, Charles, and Lord Georges. Lou and Frank out. The unlucky little Eddy [FN: The present Duke of Devonshire.] is doomed to be called Victor Christian William : Duke says he would like Abraham better than Victor.
11Jun1868, Service at St. Barnabas
LONDON, Thursday, June 11th, 1868. S. Barnabas.
Girls, Agnes, and I went to All Saints' at 11. They make no pause after the Church Militant prayer, as they wish non-communicants to remain in the Church ; this may be an innocent custom, (but ? as there is no hint in the Bible of the H. Communion being ever otherwise than a Feast to all attending it), but as its danger must be great, unavoidable, of leading people to believe in some sort of Sacramental good to be obtained by merely being present, it does seem to me very objectionable. We did not intend to communicate, so slipped out after the Nicene Creed, feeling very guilty. But it was interesting to see the vestments for the first time, the 3 officiating clergy all wearing them. I hardly thought I should like them, but I do, personally. Certainly I find I learn gradually to like much of the "advanced" ritual which I formerly should have been impatient at. It all depends on whether one sees, enters into, and approves of, the symbolism.
Girls, Agnes, and I went to All Saints' at 11. They make no pause after the Church Militant prayer, as they wish non-communicants to remain in the Church ; this may be an innocent custom, (but ? as there is no hint in the Bible of the H. Communion being ever otherwise than a Feast to all attending it), but as its danger must be great, unavoidable, of leading people to believe in some sort of Sacramental good to be obtained by merely being present, it does seem to me very objectionable. We did not intend to communicate, so slipped out after the Nicene Creed, feeling very guilty. But it was interesting to see the vestments for the first time, the 3 officiating clergy all wearing them. I hardly thought I should like them, but I do, personally. Certainly I find I learn gradually to like much of the "advanced" ritual which I formerly should have been impatient at. It all depends on whether one sees, enters into, and approves of, the symbolism.
08Jun1868, Governor Eyre Acquitted
LONDON, June 8th, 1868.
—Governor Eyre has been acquitted before Judge Blackburn, the jury refusing to find a true bill. "Society" won't hear of Eyre being to blame, because the rebels were coloured whom he had to deal with ; but, tho' he was a high-minded man and acted for the best, it does seem shocking that he should have sanctioned hanging and flogging after announcing that the revolt was over.
—Governor Eyre has been acquitted before Judge Blackburn, the jury refusing to find a true bill. "Society" won't hear of Eyre being to blame, because the rebels were coloured whom he had to deal with ; but, tho' he was a high-minded man and acted for the best, it does seem shocking that he should have sanctioned hanging and flogging after announcing that the revolt was over.
01Jun1868, Eddie and Emma's Little Boy
HAGLEY, June 1st, 1868.
—Thank God, dear Emma's troubles are all over, and a fine little boy [FN: The present Duke of Devonshire] was born yesterday at 9 o'clock. It is nice to have this to enter in the same Vol. of journal which has the account of the sad disappointment 2 years ago. Now she has everything in the world. I feel rather heart-pinched in the lessening of our own hopes ; but it is the only thing wanting to us, and one ought to be full of thankfulness.
—Thank God, dear Emma's troubles are all over, and a fine little boy [FN: The present Duke of Devonshire] was born yesterday at 9 o'clock. It is nice to have this to enter in the same Vol. of journal which has the account of the sad disappointment 2 years ago. Now she has everything in the world. I feel rather heart-pinched in the lessening of our own hopes ; but it is the only thing wanting to us, and one ought to be full of thankfulness.
30May1868, Electionums
HAGLEY, May 30th, 1868.
—Talked incessant electionums ; it seems the enemy has been outrageously base and unscrupulous, spending shoals of money among the poor ignorant Black-country people, putting about all sorts of lies, and generally disgracing themselves ; also having 100 paid agents to Charles's 20. They say Laslett must have spent near £20,000 ; our side £6,000 ; a terrible incubus, but we hope it will be raised among friends.
—Talked incessant electionums ; it seems the enemy has been outrageously base and unscrupulous, spending shoals of money among the poor ignorant Black-country people, putting about all sorts of lies, and generally disgracing themselves ; also having 100 paid agents to Charles's 20. They say Laslett must have spent near £20,000 ; our side £6,000 ; a terrible incubus, but we hope it will be raised among friends.
29May1868, Charles Reelected
HAGLEY, May 29th, 1868.
—We left London at 10 ; F. got out at Birmingham to go to Charles's comm. room, I went on to dear old home. Blue placards and "Lyttelton for ever" stuck about ; and a polling-booth at the signpost. Servants in huge excitement. The place too lovely, in its "green and stately repose." How I enjoyed it all the lovely afternoon. About 4 turned up Uncle Stephen, who had been voting all straight at Droitwich. We walked up Milton's hill together, and I had some delightful moments full length on the grass, resting as if elections, London, hurry and worry were dreams. Willy and Mr. Heathcote came at 5, with cheery accounts, and Uncle Spencer came at 8, announcing VICTORY. Charles and F. followed shortly in a waggonette, pursued by 2 costermongers' carts at full speed, and a rout of dirty little boys, ooray, singing, tin kettles, and all the rest of it. Majority 279 ; very good, after what we had reason to expect.
—We left London at 10 ; F. got out at Birmingham to go to Charles's comm. room, I went on to dear old home. Blue placards and "Lyttelton for ever" stuck about ; and a polling-booth at the signpost. Servants in huge excitement. The place too lovely, in its "green and stately repose." How I enjoyed it all the lovely afternoon. About 4 turned up Uncle Stephen, who had been voting all straight at Droitwich. We walked up Milton's hill together, and I had some delightful moments full length on the grass, resting as if elections, London, hurry and worry were dreams. Willy and Mr. Heathcote came at 5, with cheery accounts, and Uncle Spencer came at 8, announcing VICTORY. Charles and F. followed shortly in a waggonette, pursued by 2 costermongers' carts at full speed, and a rout of dirty little boys, ooray, singing, tin kettles, and all the rest of it. Majority 279 ; very good, after what we had reason to expect.
28May1868, Dined Swellissimus
LONDON, May 28th, 1868.
—Dined swellissimus at Ly. Cowper's, meeting De Greys, Clarendons, Holfords, Ly. Cork, W. Cowpers, Mr. Wood, etc. Got so sleepy listening to old Count Strzlecki. . . afterwards that I wonder I did not roll off my chair with a crash.
—Dined swellissimus at Ly. Cowper's, meeting De Greys, Clarendons, Holfords, Ly. Cork, W. Cowpers, Mr. Wood, etc. Got so sleepy listening to old Count Strzlecki. . . afterwards that I wonder I did not roll off my chair with a crash.
19May1868, An Afternoon With the Prince
TEMPLENEWSAM, May 19th, 1868.
—We all went in state to Leeds about 11.30 amid great cheers and thousands of people all along the road and swarming in the town. The Prince, tho' with a bad cold, looked well, and did everything capitally with great grace, ease, and dignity ; his voice in reading answers to addresses as good and clear as the Queen's. He was endless audience to the pictures (in what is to be the infirmary), and what with them, the heat, the ceremony, and a most elaborate luncheon, how tired we all were! Some of us got off before him, and had an hour or so of rest ; then another gigantic dinner, and we bowled back to Leeds, and danced in the great Town Hall : very pretty and successful. The Prince danced with me, and I liked him much. He chaffed me about F.'s Radicalism, said he wouldn't dare to be a Radical if he were an eldest son, and appealed to Lord Fitzwilliam, but was rather in the wrong box there, as poor little Lord Milton pins on a little to F. ! Also he expressed himself as much disgusted with Mr. Ch. Buxton for pushing the prosecution of unlucky ex-Governor Eyre : "Why can't they let the poor fellow alone?" Beauty was contributed from Templenewsam in the shape of Duchess Sibyl of S. Albans, Constance [FN: No doubt Lady Grosvenor, afterwards Duchess of Westminster : first cousin of Lord Frederick.], the Fitzwilliam girls, and one of the Lumleys (Ly. Ida [FN: Now Dowager Countess of Bradford]). Ly. Scarborough looks like a girl herself. Also Ly. Dudley and Ly. Milton looked lovely. The Prince made Constance, Lord Downe (a pleasant, handsome youth), and I drive home with him : "You won't mind our smoking?" "Oh no, sir, certainly not!" Poor me my heart sank within me as I told this terrible fib. Luckily when he got beyond the cigarette stage into the most insufferable cigars, we had the carriage opened, and so drove home at 4 o'clock in the dawn ; sleepy policemen struck at the sight of Constance and me in diamonds. The Prince very well pleased with his evening, and too good-natured to allow us to quiz the Mayoress, wonderful sight though she was, or the Mayor either. I tried to coax Lord Dudley round about Charles ; but he is in a frantic "Protestant" state of mind.
—We all went in state to Leeds about 11.30 amid great cheers and thousands of people all along the road and swarming in the town. The Prince, tho' with a bad cold, looked well, and did everything capitally with great grace, ease, and dignity ; his voice in reading answers to addresses as good and clear as the Queen's. He was endless audience to the pictures (in what is to be the infirmary), and what with them, the heat, the ceremony, and a most elaborate luncheon, how tired we all were! Some of us got off before him, and had an hour or so of rest ; then another gigantic dinner, and we bowled back to Leeds, and danced in the great Town Hall : very pretty and successful. The Prince danced with me, and I liked him much. He chaffed me about F.'s Radicalism, said he wouldn't dare to be a Radical if he were an eldest son, and appealed to Lord Fitzwilliam, but was rather in the wrong box there, as poor little Lord Milton pins on a little to F. ! Also he expressed himself as much disgusted with Mr. Ch. Buxton for pushing the prosecution of unlucky ex-Governor Eyre : "Why can't they let the poor fellow alone?" Beauty was contributed from Templenewsam in the shape of Duchess Sibyl of S. Albans, Constance [FN: No doubt Lady Grosvenor, afterwards Duchess of Westminster : first cousin of Lord Frederick.], the Fitzwilliam girls, and one of the Lumleys (Ly. Ida [FN: Now Dowager Countess of Bradford]). Ly. Scarborough looks like a girl herself. Also Ly. Dudley and Ly. Milton looked lovely. The Prince made Constance, Lord Downe (a pleasant, handsome youth), and I drive home with him : "You won't mind our smoking?" "Oh no, sir, certainly not!" Poor me my heart sank within me as I told this terrible fib. Luckily when he got beyond the cigarette stage into the most insufferable cigars, we had the carriage opened, and so drove home at 4 o'clock in the dawn ; sleepy policemen struck at the sight of Constance and me in diamonds. The Prince very well pleased with his evening, and too good-natured to allow us to quiz the Mayoress, wonderful sight though she was, or the Mayor either. I tried to coax Lord Dudley round about Charles ; but he is in a frantic "Protestant" state of mind.
18May1868, Antidisestablishmentarianism
TEMPLENEWSAM, May 18th, 1868.
—Charles's election is evidently getting serious : it is beyond unlucky Lord Calthorp dying just now, with the tremendous question of the Irish Establishment dividing parties into 2 great armies as of old. Otherwise there is little doubt he would have been returned by Conservatives and Liberals alike... .
We left London about 2 and came thro' vile dust to this fine house, sadly spoilt by Leeds smoke, for the opening of the Leeds exhibition. The Prince of Wales came by the same train, and was well received wherever we stopped. Big dinner ; then lovely little concert conducted by Hallé ; then a ball in the long picture-gallery. Old Nevy turned up, on duty with part of his battn., a great break. Lord Dudley danced with me, and I tried to coax him round about Charles, but he is in horror about Disestablishment, and I fear can only be expected not to oppose actively. The clergy are against it as one man nearly, and will take up the perilous, suicidal ground of making the English and Irish Establishments stand or fall together.
—Charles's election is evidently getting serious : it is beyond unlucky Lord Calthorp dying just now, with the tremendous question of the Irish Establishment dividing parties into 2 great armies as of old. Otherwise there is little doubt he would have been returned by Conservatives and Liberals alike... .
We left London about 2 and came thro' vile dust to this fine house, sadly spoilt by Leeds smoke, for the opening of the Leeds exhibition. The Prince of Wales came by the same train, and was well received wherever we stopped. Big dinner ; then lovely little concert conducted by Hallé ; then a ball in the long picture-gallery. Old Nevy turned up, on duty with part of his battn., a great break. Lord Dudley danced with me, and I tried to coax him round about Charles, but he is in horror about Disestablishment, and I fear can only be expected not to oppose actively. The clergy are against it as one man nearly, and will take up the perilous, suicidal ground of making the English and Irish Establishments stand or fall together.
13May1868, The Queen Outshines the Princess
LONDON, May 13th, 1868.
—I had a busy day ; went at 10 with M. to see the Queen lay the 1st stone of S. Thomas' Hospital on the S. bank of the river, which she did with great state, driving slowly in an open carriage and four with escort, outriders and postilions, and ½ a doz. other carriages, all thro' Westminster and Lambeth which had turned out bodily to see her. They say she had some fear of being shot at by a Fenian, but drove all the slower ! She went thro' the ceremony with all her old grace and wonderful dignity, ending with several deep curtseys to the audience ; a sight to see The reception was very good ; and really our little Queen in her deep black was not outshone even by the lovely, radiant Princess of Wales.
—I had a busy day ; went at 10 with M. to see the Queen lay the 1st stone of S. Thomas' Hospital on the S. bank of the river, which she did with great state, driving slowly in an open carriage and four with escort, outriders and postilions, and ½ a doz. other carriages, all thro' Westminster and Lambeth which had turned out bodily to see her. They say she had some fear of being shot at by a Fenian, but drove all the slower ! She went thro' the ceremony with all her old grace and wonderful dignity, ending with several deep curtseys to the audience ; a sight to see The reception was very good ; and really our little Queen in her deep black was not outshone even by the lovely, radiant Princess of Wales.
12May1868, The Girls Not Presented
LONDON, May 12th, 1868.
—I went early to the Nat. school. The girls and I spent most of the rest of the day struggling thro' the Drawing-room, which took us 4 hours. The Queen hardly stayed an hour, so we had the great blow of the girls not being presented to her. M., the Gladstones, and everybody else in the world, was there : Ly. Dudley, Ly. Craven, Ly. Bath, the greatest beauties.
—I went early to the Nat. school. The girls and I spent most of the rest of the day struggling thro' the Drawing-room, which took us 4 hours. The Queen hardly stayed an hour, so we had the great blow of the girls not being presented to her. M., the Gladstones, and everybody else in the world, was there : Ly. Dudley, Ly. Craven, Ly. Bath, the greatest beauties.
25Apr1868, Duke Shot by Fenian
LONDON, April 25th, 1868.
—Dined at the D. of Cleveland's. A horrible thing has happened : the Duke of Edinburgh while at a charity picnic at Sydney in Austr. was shot in the back by a Fenian scoundrel, but is mercifully not dangerously hurt. As a makeweight the Prince and Princess of Wales left Ireland in a blaze of enthusiasm to-day, which has gone crescendo ever since they landed.
I sat at dinner between young Lord Joscelyn (a nice, handsome creature) and Lord Clarendon, who was immensely entertaining, giving me an account of his interview with the Pope this winter. He appears to have "upped" and advised the Pope to enter upon negotiations with the King, assuring him his spiritual power would be strengthened thereby ; to which the Pope protested that it was impossible for a "pauvre vieillard" to trust a man whose government was worthless and himself a liar. To this Ld. C. said that doubtless there would be difficulties, but so much the grander for the S. Père to conquer them. "Mettezvous done à ma place," says His Holiness. "Would you have me forgive all the insults—the injuries, etc., etc." "It is unnecessary for me," says Lord C., "to remind the head of Christianity that it is his part to present to the world the spectacle of sublime Christian charity." Which I should think "shut up" the Pope effectually !
Ld. C. was also great fun over Ld. Derby's anti-compulsory-Church-Rate-abolition speech the other night ; saying, "It's rather too bad to have this 'leaper in the dark' [FN: Lord Derby had candidly described his own Ministry's franchise Act, that of 1867, as a "leap in the dark."] coming forth one year at the head of democracy and the next at the tail of old Toryism!" and that he talked "retrograde rubbish." Says I, "What a pity you could not attack him in that fashion in the H. of Lords." "No!" says Ld. C. ; "he's too kind to Constance" (née Villiers, married to Ld. D.'s 2nd son) "for me to abuse him."
—Dined at the D. of Cleveland's. A horrible thing has happened : the Duke of Edinburgh while at a charity picnic at Sydney in Austr. was shot in the back by a Fenian scoundrel, but is mercifully not dangerously hurt. As a makeweight the Prince and Princess of Wales left Ireland in a blaze of enthusiasm to-day, which has gone crescendo ever since they landed.
I sat at dinner between young Lord Joscelyn (a nice, handsome creature) and Lord Clarendon, who was immensely entertaining, giving me an account of his interview with the Pope this winter. He appears to have "upped" and advised the Pope to enter upon negotiations with the King, assuring him his spiritual power would be strengthened thereby ; to which the Pope protested that it was impossible for a "pauvre vieillard" to trust a man whose government was worthless and himself a liar. To this Ld. C. said that doubtless there would be difficulties, but so much the grander for the S. Père to conquer them. "Mettezvous done à ma place," says His Holiness. "Would you have me forgive all the insults—the injuries, etc., etc." "It is unnecessary for me," says Lord C., "to remind the head of Christianity that it is his part to present to the world the spectacle of sublime Christian charity." Which I should think "shut up" the Pope effectually !
Ld. C. was also great fun over Ld. Derby's anti-compulsory-Church-Rate-abolition speech the other night ; saying, "It's rather too bad to have this 'leaper in the dark' [FN: Lord Derby had candidly described his own Ministry's franchise Act, that of 1867, as a "leap in the dark."] coming forth one year at the head of democracy and the next at the tail of old Toryism!" and that he talked "retrograde rubbish." Says I, "What a pity you could not attack him in that fashion in the H. of Lords." "No!" says Ld. C. ; "he's too kind to Constance" (née Villiers, married to Ld. D.'s 2nd son) "for me to abuse him."
24Apr1868, The Quondam Slave
LONDON, April 24th, 1868.
—I went to Kate Amberley, who had a quondam slave to trot out : a poor, respectable-looking mulatto woman, with a handsome, ladylike white daughter, and a book with the heartbreaking story of her life. Such things to hear about make one go on one's knees, and thank the Mighty Hand that has scorched up for ever, by means of that tremendous war, the iniquity of generations.
—I went to Kate Amberley, who had a quondam slave to trot out : a poor, respectable-looking mulatto woman, with a handsome, ladylike white daughter, and a book with the heartbreaking story of her life. Such things to hear about make one go on one's knees, and thank the Mighty Hand that has scorched up for ever, by means of that tremendous war, the iniquity of generations.
14Apr1868, Scoundrel Fish
13Apr1868, Riding with the Duke
LISMORE, April 13th, 1868.
—A wonderful thing happened to me, viz., I rode with my papa-in-law, and was horribly shy ; have such a painful conviction that he must think me a fool and a bore.
—A wonderful thing happened to me, viz., I rode with my papa-in-law, and was horribly shy ; have such a painful conviction that he must think me a fool and a bore.
27Mar1868, The Irish Establishment
LONDON, March 27th, 1868.
—Uncle W. has given notice of Resolutions, of which one distinctly condemns the Irish Establishment. That such a grand act of justice and right should be on the horizon seems too good to be true ; but there is to be a fair fight, and there is great hope.
—Uncle W. has given notice of Resolutions, of which one distinctly condemns the Irish Establishment. That such a grand act of justice and right should be on the horizon seems too good to be true ; but there is to be a fair fight, and there is great hope.
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
25Mar1868, Dizzy's Party for the Shaky Liberals
19Mar1868, A Wonderful Set of Frumps
LONDON, March 19th, 1868.
—We dined with the Carews, meeting a wonderful set of frumps, but it wasn't very bad.
—We dined with the Carews, meeting a wonderful set of frumps, but it wasn't very bad.
18Mar1868, A Workhouse and a Drum
LONDON, March 18th, 1868.
—We went to the East "by sea," as Atie. P. calls it, viz., embarking at Hungerford and landing at the Tunnel ; then conducted to the workhouse by a dirty little boy who was enchanted with a bit of bread and butter out of my basket in payment. . . . Dined at the Gladstones' ; drum, to which came Lord Dizzy !—he will be that next, I suppose. It was a sight to see him chaffing Agnes !
—We went to the East "by sea," as Atie. P. calls it, viz., embarking at Hungerford and landing at the Tunnel ; then conducted to the workhouse by a dirty little boy who was enchanted with a bit of bread and butter out of my basket in payment. . . . Dined at the Gladstones' ; drum, to which came Lord Dizzy !—he will be that next, I suppose. It was a sight to see him chaffing Agnes !
17Mar1868, Auntie P's Orphanage
LONDON, March 17th, 1868.
—Yesterday at the L. House meeting, a little statement drawn up by Caroline Smith and me about Auntie P.'s orphanage was read : I had hardly realised before what a gallant good work it was. She took over 150 poor tinies straight to her arms ; all orphans and many weak after cholera themselves ; all friendless and without even clothes on their poor little bodies. Of these not one has died at the Home, which she got in a hurry for them at Clapton ; and she has provided for a great many in different ways ; but 57 remain on her hands.
—Yesterday at the L. House meeting, a little statement drawn up by Caroline Smith and me about Auntie P.'s orphanage was read : I had hardly realised before what a gallant good work it was. She took over 150 poor tinies straight to her arms ; all orphans and many weak after cholera themselves ; all friendless and without even clothes on their poor little bodies. Of these not one has died at the Home, which she got in a hurry for them at Clapton ; and she has provided for a great many in different ways ; but 57 remain on her hands.
08Mar1868, Lou's Baby
06Mar1868, A Most Powerful Sermon
LONDON, March 6th, 1868.
—Service at St. James's : the Dean of Westminster preached a most powerful sermon on "Eli, eli, lama sabachthani ?" speaking as if from his very heart of the darkness and perplexities of life, and how we should be sustained in them by the knowledge that our Saviour went through that awful moment of apparent desertion. He ended by appealing to one to abide patiently, sure of peace and light in the end, as our Lord in His next utterance confided His Spirit to His Father, though an instant before He had felt Himself forsaken. It made me cry, partly from the intense way I knew the pain the great perplexities give one, partly from feeling how he spoke from his own experiences, which must be, alas those of a man of faint and doubtful faith ; but at the same time, of strong love.
—Service at St. James's : the Dean of Westminster preached a most powerful sermon on "Eli, eli, lama sabachthani ?" speaking as if from his very heart of the darkness and perplexities of life, and how we should be sustained in them by the knowledge that our Saviour went through that awful moment of apparent desertion. He ended by appealing to one to abide patiently, sure of peace and light in the end, as our Lord in His next utterance confided His Spirit to His Father, though an instant before He had felt Himself forsaken. It made me cry, partly from the intense way I knew the pain the great perplexities give one, partly from feeling how he spoke from his own experiences, which must be, alas those of a man of faint and doubtful faith ; but at the same time, of strong love.
05Mar1868, Helping a Girl in a Fit
LONDON, March 5th, 1868.
—Saw a poor miserable girl lying quite rigid on her back in a fit in a smart part of Belgravia ; if we had not come up, I suppose she would be there now, everybody "passing by on the other side" like priests and Levites ! We sent for a policeman, who brought her round, and after a time she was well enough to walk feebly away, refusing to go in a cab : only lately out of an infirmary.
—Saw a poor miserable girl lying quite rigid on her back in a fit in a smart part of Belgravia ; if we had not come up, I suppose she would be there now, everybody "passing by on the other side" like priests and Levites ! We sent for a policeman, who brought her round, and after a time she was well enough to walk feebly away, refusing to go in a cab : only lately out of an infirmary.
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