HOLKER, December 4th-10th, 1876.
—Tallee the greatest of breaks and helps to me—the more that F. was busy Mon. and Tues. We read and greatly enjoy the odd trio of books—Butler's "Analogy," the "Faery Queen," and Carlyle's "French Revolution." Good heart for 5 days. In the evening with F. "The Abbot."
Sunday, January 16, 2011
30Oct1876, Cavendish and the Eastern Question
CHATSWORTH, October 30th–November 5th, 1876.
—Cavendish came, and on Friday he and F. went off to Keighley for the opening of a Liberal Club, and Cavendish made an excellent straightforward speech on the Eastern Question, which must do good: it was the more weighty against Government for its sober moderation of tone.
—Cavendish came, and on Friday he and F. went off to Keighley for the opening of a Liberal Club, and Cavendish made an excellent straightforward speech on the Eastern Question, which must do good: it was the more weighty against Government for its sober moderation of tone.
16Oct1876, Cavendish Meets with the Turks
HOLKER, October 16th-22nd, 1876.
—Cavendish writes from Constantinople to the Duke, full of contempt for Turkish truth or capacity for reform, yet speaking of the impossibility of securing other good government for the Provinces (which, left to themselves, would fall into civil war or anarchy) without foreign occupation agreed on by all the Powers—which agreement he sees little hope of securing. A nice kettle of fish altogether. Meanwhile Uncle W. is aghast at Cavendish having dined with certain representative Turks, and wrote to F. that they were "symbols of iniquity"; but how was he to have any intercourse with them, such as seemed necessary for forming opinions about the future, and yet refuse hospitality? especially in the East.
—Cavendish writes from Constantinople to the Duke, full of contempt for Turkish truth or capacity for reform, yet speaking of the impossibility of securing other good government for the Provinces (which, left to themselves, would fall into civil war or anarchy) without foreign occupation agreed on by all the Powers—which agreement he sees little hope of securing. A nice kettle of fish altogether. Meanwhile Uncle W. is aghast at Cavendish having dined with certain representative Turks, and wrote to F. that they were "symbols of iniquity"; but how was he to have any intercourse with them, such as seemed necessary for forming opinions about the future, and yet refuse hospitality? especially in the East.
02Oct1876, Gladstone and the Eastern Matter
CASTLE HOWARD, October 2nd-8th, 1876.
—The most magnificent rainbow I ever saw on Saturday just before sunset, bending over the mausoleum right across the whole sky; the colours fairly dazzling, which I never saw before in a rainbow. While we were gazing at it, we became gradually aware of cheers, and at last took it into our heads to guess what was up; rushed to the N. front, and sure enough, there was the omnibus containing the W.E.G.s being dragged up to the door by a multitude of men; with Aunt Lizzy and dear old Bob (kindly asked over from Escrick) sharing the honours, and no doubt sadly conscious of their extra weight. The W. E. G.s have been paying various visits in the N. and undergoing many receptions and addresses, in spite of efforts to dodge them. . . .
Morning Church at Welborne; walked back with F. and Uncle W. If I was but a Boswell, my journal might be worth reading! but I can never trust my memory. He has the most absolute disbelief in the Government upon the Eastern matter, considering Dizzy to be Dizzy, and Ld. Derby, from his hatred of responsibility, Dizzy's mere tool. Much of the press is open-mouthed against. Uncle W. for impatient and factious action; but he thinks that he gave Government all imaginable rope and hoped against hope to the last moment; this being Oct. and their course having been obstructive and pro-Turk and neutral and shilly-shally for many months. I don't think he weighs the great difficulties ahead as to bringing about local self-government in these partially (and only partially) Christian provinces; he is absorbed in the one strong feeling that the Turkish Government is so execrable and hopelessly vile and bad, that it must be put a stop to in the oppressed provinces at all hazards—just as slavery had to be abolished. "Only," says he, "the present case is so far worse than slavery that it is no inferior race which is being abused."
I said something of the Pall Mall and the World's supreme contempt for the national indignation, warning statesmen against "mob rule," and this set him off upon a grand burst of "When did the Upper Ten Thousand ever lead the attack in the cause of humanity? Their heads are always full of class interests and the main chance"; or words to that effect. Of one thing I am as certain as I have been all my life —that there is no personal ambition or any motive but love of justice and mercy (and utter disbelief in Dizzy, I allow) in his present course.
—The most magnificent rainbow I ever saw on Saturday just before sunset, bending over the mausoleum right across the whole sky; the colours fairly dazzling, which I never saw before in a rainbow. While we were gazing at it, we became gradually aware of cheers, and at last took it into our heads to guess what was up; rushed to the N. front, and sure enough, there was the omnibus containing the W.E.G.s being dragged up to the door by a multitude of men; with Aunt Lizzy and dear old Bob (kindly asked over from Escrick) sharing the honours, and no doubt sadly conscious of their extra weight. The W. E. G.s have been paying various visits in the N. and undergoing many receptions and addresses, in spite of efforts to dodge them. . . .
Morning Church at Welborne; walked back with F. and Uncle W. If I was but a Boswell, my journal might be worth reading! but I can never trust my memory. He has the most absolute disbelief in the Government upon the Eastern matter, considering Dizzy to be Dizzy, and Ld. Derby, from his hatred of responsibility, Dizzy's mere tool. Much of the press is open-mouthed against. Uncle W. for impatient and factious action; but he thinks that he gave Government all imaginable rope and hoped against hope to the last moment; this being Oct. and their course having been obstructive and pro-Turk and neutral and shilly-shally for many months. I don't think he weighs the great difficulties ahead as to bringing about local self-government in these partially (and only partially) Christian provinces; he is absorbed in the one strong feeling that the Turkish Government is so execrable and hopelessly vile and bad, that it must be put a stop to in the oppressed provinces at all hazards—just as slavery had to be abolished. "Only," says he, "the present case is so far worse than slavery that it is no inferior race which is being abused."
I said something of the Pall Mall and the World's supreme contempt for the national indignation, warning statesmen against "mob rule," and this set him off upon a grand burst of "When did the Upper Ten Thousand ever lead the attack in the cause of humanity? Their heads are always full of class interests and the main chance"; or words to that effect. Of one thing I am as certain as I have been all my life —that there is no personal ambition or any motive but love of justice and mercy (and utter disbelief in Dizzy, I allow) in his present course.
28Aug1876, A Shooting Machine
BOLTON, August 28th–September 3rd, 1876.
—N.B. Speaker and Harry Brands (sic) and Ld. De Grey came this week. Ld. de Grey [FN: The last Marquess of Ripon, a very famous shot.] a curious mixture of both parents to look at. He can be pretty nearly summed up as a shooting machine; kills double anybody else.
—N.B. Speaker and Harry Brands (sic) and Ld. De Grey came this week. Ld. de Grey [FN: The last Marquess of Ripon, a very famous shot.] a curious mixture of both parents to look at. He can be pretty nearly summed up as a shooting machine; kills double anybody else.
21Aug1876, Lady of the House
BOLTON, August 21st-27th, 1876.
—Frank and Lou and their little company came on Tues. to my great refreshment; the having to be lady of the house and bother my head over muffins and bedrooms is quite absurdly trying to me now I am so down on the springs; but besides, Lou is the greatest dear to me and rests my spirit.
—Frank and Lou and their little company came on Tues. to my great refreshment; the having to be lady of the house and bother my head over muffins and bedrooms is quite absurdly trying to me now I am so down on the springs; but besides, Lou is the greatest dear to me and rests my spirit.
Monday, January 03, 2011
31Jul1876, Improvements to Althorp Estate
LONDON, July 31st—August 6th, 1876.
—A capital piece of matrimonial news after all the twopenny ones: B. and the Bishop of Exeter!! [FN: Beatrice Lascelles, cousin of Lord Frederick, married Dr. Temple, afterwards Archbishop of Canterbury.] She is in great happiness. I have always thought highly of him, knowing Papa and Uncle B.'s high opinion of him. Folk say he is undoubtedly much in love. I had tea at No. 62 on Friday and found him there; liked much his simple, quiet manner, manly and unconstrained. They are to be married the end of August, and after September he will be hard at work. B.'s episcopal experience will begin at the Land's End where he holds Confirmations in October....
We went to Harleston, where the Spencers are staying, while Althorp is to be turned over to builders for improvements. I have never been there since a happy visit before I married with Papa, in 1863, when he hunted with great enjoyment on a famous hunter of Spencer's called Pale-Ale, and affronted Spencer by blaming the horse for refusing a brook. "My dear George, you rode him at it with a loose rein—you never put his head at it!" "Well, all I know is, my old hunter would have gone over it if I had put his tail at it!" How well I remember this! We all went over to Althorp, Sunday afternoon, and in spite of its being all in curl-papers I revived old old recollections, going back to New Year '54, and Uncle Fritz calling me Topsy. They have laid out a garden on one side which is an immense improvement.
—A capital piece of matrimonial news after all the twopenny ones: B. and the Bishop of Exeter!! [FN: Beatrice Lascelles, cousin of Lord Frederick, married Dr. Temple, afterwards Archbishop of Canterbury.] She is in great happiness. I have always thought highly of him, knowing Papa and Uncle B.'s high opinion of him. Folk say he is undoubtedly much in love. I had tea at No. 62 on Friday and found him there; liked much his simple, quiet manner, manly and unconstrained. They are to be married the end of August, and after September he will be hard at work. B.'s episcopal experience will begin at the Land's End where he holds Confirmations in October....
We went to Harleston, where the Spencers are staying, while Althorp is to be turned over to builders for improvements. I have never been there since a happy visit before I married with Papa, in 1863, when he hunted with great enjoyment on a famous hunter of Spencer's called Pale-Ale, and affronted Spencer by blaming the horse for refusing a brook. "My dear George, you rode him at it with a loose rein—you never put his head at it!" "Well, all I know is, my old hunter would have gone over it if I had put his tail at it!" How well I remember this! We all went over to Althorp, Sunday afternoon, and in spite of its being all in curl-papers I revived old old recollections, going back to New Year '54, and Uncle Fritz calling me Topsy. They have laid out a garden on one side which is an immense improvement.
Sunday, January 02, 2011
24Jul1876, Painting Wellington's Forehead
LONDON, July 24th-30th, 1876.
—Ld. and Ly. Robartes. He and Uncle W. were good company at breakfast. He told me an anecdote of the D. of Wellington's always insisting on having his forehead represented in painting or sculpture wider than it was, and Chantrey telling Lucas, to whom the Duke was sitting. Uncle W. (so exactly like him!) took the story desperately to heart as being unworthy of the Duke's high sense of truth; and it was impossible to make him see how the story might be quite consistent with his truth of intention: he might have honestly supposed his forehead wider and Chantrey may have humoured him.
—Ld. and Ly. Robartes. He and Uncle W. were good company at breakfast. He told me an anecdote of the D. of Wellington's always insisting on having his forehead represented in painting or sculpture wider than it was, and Chantrey telling Lucas, to whom the Duke was sitting. Uncle W. (so exactly like him!) took the story desperately to heart as being unworthy of the Duke's high sense of truth; and it was impossible to make him see how the story might be quite consistent with his truth of intention: he might have honestly supposed his forehead wider and Chantrey may have humoured him.
24Apr1876, Thoughts of Papa
HAGLEY, April 24th-30th, 1876.
—F. and I stayed on at Hagley. Sybella most touching in the absolute unselfishness and patience with which she bears her great grief: she has constant tears to relieve her, and clings to his children, and turns to the religious thoughts and words which were the "strength of his life," to comfort her in his death. She told me that though she could never get him to teach her by precept, yet by degrees, as she learnt more and more of his character and its motive power, she grew into sympathy with his religion; and that learning to feel with him "doubled and trebled" her love for him. Many beautiful lessons has his life taught us all—such as courage, trust, generosity, truth, wide sympathies, and kind judgments coupled with hatred of evil and the highest standard of right ; but the chief lesson of all is, how to blend the Love of God and the golden thread of religion with common daily life in the world—with all duty, with dry detail, with pleasures and enjoyments and mirth; with sorrow, trial, and disappointment; and so to do this as to produce, not scrupulosity or gloom, but the joyful spirit of a loving son, the glad service of willing obedience. Nobody showed more by every day of his active life that God's service is perfect freedom, and His ways the way of pleasantness and peace. All our lives through, accordingly, his beautiful example has taught us that the Church's life of religion is the happy and complete life, and that seeking first the Kingdom of God all other things are added to us. Nevy once said to me, "The governor always showed us that duty must come first of all." Letters pour in upon us, and are very helpful and soothing in showing how deeply and widely all that was best in him was known and loved. Hardly one but calls it a "noble life"; and in the light of it the awful darkness at the end seems to shrink to a point.
—F. and I stayed on at Hagley. Sybella most touching in the absolute unselfishness and patience with which she bears her great grief: she has constant tears to relieve her, and clings to his children, and turns to the religious thoughts and words which were the "strength of his life," to comfort her in his death. She told me that though she could never get him to teach her by precept, yet by degrees, as she learnt more and more of his character and its motive power, she grew into sympathy with his religion; and that learning to feel with him "doubled and trebled" her love for him. Many beautiful lessons has his life taught us all—such as courage, trust, generosity, truth, wide sympathies, and kind judgments coupled with hatred of evil and the highest standard of right ; but the chief lesson of all is, how to blend the Love of God and the golden thread of religion with common daily life in the world—with all duty, with dry detail, with pleasures and enjoyments and mirth; with sorrow, trial, and disappointment; and so to do this as to produce, not scrupulosity or gloom, but the joyful spirit of a loving son, the glad service of willing obedience. Nobody showed more by every day of his active life that God's service is perfect freedom, and His ways the way of pleasantness and peace. All our lives through, accordingly, his beautiful example has taught us that the Church's life of religion is the happy and complete life, and that seeking first the Kingdom of God all other things are added to us. Nevy once said to me, "The governor always showed us that duty must come first of all." Letters pour in upon us, and are very helpful and soothing in showing how deeply and widely all that was best in him was known and loved. Hardly one but calls it a "noble life"; and in the light of it the awful darkness at the end seems to shrink to a point.
19Apr1876, Papa Ends His Life
LISMORE, April 17th-23rd, 1876.
—It has been God's will to send us a terrible anguish. On Monday morning came from Aunt Coque a sadly disheartening account of dear Papa. The latter days of the week before last we all saw hopeful symptoms, especially in his looks and also in his diminished restlessness, and power of occupying himself for longer times together. (Tho' all along as always during former attacks he has done whatever work he had to do.) If he had been younger, no doubt this would have been the beginning of recovery as formerly. But from Aunt C.'s letter it seemed that he had entered upon a different and darker stage : utter lassitude and hopeless distress, with occasional paroxysms of misery. Never any delusion or altered feeling towards any of us, but true perplexities all exaggerated....
God only knows what his anguish has been these many weeks past, deepening and deepening upon him ; yet through all what gentleness and uncomplaining patience and affection! and what faith in God! We never thought of anything worse than a longer trial than usual. Hitherto his vigorous health, both mental and physical, has always thrown off the attacks, and he has recovered absolutely; they have rolled away like clouds....
On Easter Monday he wrote kindly and sympathetically to Archdeacon Horn, on hearing of his daughter's death, ending his letter with a few words about being detained in London by "some sort of nervous complaint" and a word or two on business. The very morning after came upon him what we do indeed believe was a messenger of release (God seeing that His true and loving servant could no longer bear the anguish), a momentary and over-mastering paroxysm. Not knowing what he did, he rushed away from the man who was always with him in his room, and fell over the banisters: we shall never know if it was in any degree accidental or not, but we do know he was as unaccountable as if a lightning-stroke had fallen on him....
And at a little past midnight God took him to His Eternal Peace.
—It has been God's will to send us a terrible anguish. On Monday morning came from Aunt Coque a sadly disheartening account of dear Papa. The latter days of the week before last we all saw hopeful symptoms, especially in his looks and also in his diminished restlessness, and power of occupying himself for longer times together. (Tho' all along as always during former attacks he has done whatever work he had to do.) If he had been younger, no doubt this would have been the beginning of recovery as formerly. But from Aunt C.'s letter it seemed that he had entered upon a different and darker stage : utter lassitude and hopeless distress, with occasional paroxysms of misery. Never any delusion or altered feeling towards any of us, but true perplexities all exaggerated....
God only knows what his anguish has been these many weeks past, deepening and deepening upon him ; yet through all what gentleness and uncomplaining patience and affection! and what faith in God! We never thought of anything worse than a longer trial than usual. Hitherto his vigorous health, both mental and physical, has always thrown off the attacks, and he has recovered absolutely; they have rolled away like clouds....
On Easter Monday he wrote kindly and sympathetically to Archdeacon Horn, on hearing of his daughter's death, ending his letter with a few words about being detained in London by "some sort of nervous complaint" and a word or two on business. The very morning after came upon him what we do indeed believe was a messenger of release (God seeing that His true and loving servant could no longer bear the anguish), a momentary and over-mastering paroxysm. Not knowing what he did, he rushed away from the man who was always with him in his room, and fell over the banisters: we shall never know if it was in any degree accidental or not, but we do know he was as unaccountable as if a lightning-stroke had fallen on him....
And at a little past midnight God took him to His Eternal Peace.
06Mar1876, The Queen Opens a Grocers' Wing
LONDON, Tues. March 6th-12th, 1876.
—With Ly. Robartes and At. Coque to L. Hospital to see the Queen open the "Grocers' Co. wing." The whole way up Whitechapel gaily decorated, be-mottoed, and thronged with loyal people. Bright cold weather. The Q. very punctual : stood rather grim and glum on her platform, but at the right moments, when she did bow and smile and make those incomparable curtseys of hers, was, in spite of her little dowdy black bonnet, as Queen-like and gracious as ever.
—With Ly. Robartes and At. Coque to L. Hospital to see the Queen open the "Grocers' Co. wing." The whole way up Whitechapel gaily decorated, be-mottoed, and thronged with loyal people. Bright cold weather. The Q. very punctual : stood rather grim and glum on her platform, but at the right moments, when she did bow and smile and make those incomparable curtseys of hers, was, in spite of her little dowdy black bonnet, as Queen-like and gracious as ever.
Saturday, January 01, 2011
23Jan1876, Wonders About Wine and Childbirth
HOLKER, January 23rd-30th, 1876.
—Eddies went to Althorp, Wednesday. I have Victor in their absence after Prayers for a little Catechism etc., and to say over any difficult lesson before he goes with Wm. and Fritz to Mr. Perowne, their odd little old-fashioned tutor. Victor is the most docile and painstaking and accurate little fellow I ever came across; I should think likely to turn out exactly like the Duke in character (tho' he does not yet show signs of as much ability). This is a real blessing with the increasing probability of his being the heir of all the enormous responsibilities, poor boy.
Another tragedy. The death of Lady Anne Buller, née Coke, in her 2nd confinement; only 30 years old. I wish doctors would investigate the causes of the terrible delicacy of "upper 10,000" women in childbirth: my own small list of experience makes me wonder if wine-drinking, which I don't think used to be so regular a thing among women formerly as it is now, has to do with it.
Mary (Frank) Lascelles has a little girl. Nora Balfour is to marry a Cambridge Moral Philosopher, Professor Sidgwick; a dau. of Ld. Claud Hamilton, Professor Tyndall!!!
[FN: Wife of Sir Frank Lascelles, many years Ambassador at Berlin. The "little girl" became the wife of Sir Cecil Spring Rice, Ambassador at Washington.]
—Eddies went to Althorp, Wednesday. I have Victor in their absence after Prayers for a little Catechism etc., and to say over any difficult lesson before he goes with Wm. and Fritz to Mr. Perowne, their odd little old-fashioned tutor. Victor is the most docile and painstaking and accurate little fellow I ever came across; I should think likely to turn out exactly like the Duke in character (tho' he does not yet show signs of as much ability). This is a real blessing with the increasing probability of his being the heir of all the enormous responsibilities, poor boy.
Another tragedy. The death of Lady Anne Buller, née Coke, in her 2nd confinement; only 30 years old. I wish doctors would investigate the causes of the terrible delicacy of "upper 10,000" women in childbirth: my own small list of experience makes me wonder if wine-drinking, which I don't think used to be so regular a thing among women formerly as it is now, has to do with it.
Mary (Frank) Lascelles has a little girl. Nora Balfour is to marry a Cambridge Moral Philosopher, Professor Sidgwick; a dau. of Ld. Claud Hamilton, Professor Tyndall!!!
[FN: Wife of Sir Frank Lascelles, many years Ambassador at Berlin. The "little girl" became the wife of Sir Cecil Spring Rice, Ambassador at Washington.]
09Jan1876, Alfred Visits While Fred Away
15Nov1875, Everything Vanishes Away
CHATSWORTH, November 151h-21st, 1875.
—Found the Cokes, Sir J. Lacaita, B., [FN: I.e. Beatrice Lascelles, sister of Lady Edward Cavendish, and afterwards wife of Archbishop Temple.] the Howards. In the course of the week came Ld. Laverton, Mr. Doyle, Mr. Henry Cowper. Emma, B., Di, and I read Dante with Lacaita, and I began at 6 "David Copperfield" in Aunt Fanny's room. Poor Ly. Laverton bad at Buxton with rheumatism. As people arrive, and the long dinners and smart clothes begin again, my heart grows heavy with thoughts of May, who came here just this time last year, full of her last happy Keble visit; and of dear Uncle Richard, whom this place always brings back to my mind. The changes and losses seem to thicken round one, and there is something strangely sad and pathetic in the sort of diligent way one closes up the ranks and goes on and on with the old ways, as if here we had an "abiding city"; while all the time we hear the clear voices within telling us that everything vanishes away.
—Found the Cokes, Sir J. Lacaita, B., [FN: I.e. Beatrice Lascelles, sister of Lady Edward Cavendish, and afterwards wife of Archbishop Temple.] the Howards. In the course of the week came Ld. Laverton, Mr. Doyle, Mr. Henry Cowper. Emma, B., Di, and I read Dante with Lacaita, and I began at 6 "David Copperfield" in Aunt Fanny's room. Poor Ly. Laverton bad at Buxton with rheumatism. As people arrive, and the long dinners and smart clothes begin again, my heart grows heavy with thoughts of May, who came here just this time last year, full of her last happy Keble visit; and of dear Uncle Richard, whom this place always brings back to my mind. The changes and losses seem to thicken round one, and there is something strangely sad and pathetic in the sort of diligent way one closes up the ranks and goes on and on with the old ways, as if here we had an "abiding city"; while all the time we hear the clear voices within telling us that everything vanishes away.
01Nov1875, Grosvenor / Ormonde Engagement
CHATSWORTH, November 1st-7th, 1875.
—Drove one day with Lou to call at a very nice new house near Longstone (the Cravens) full of splendid Coxes and other water-colours; also some Rossettis, very clever and with wonderful colour, but rather hateful, I think, from self-consciousness and a sort of sensuousness; and I can't see why all his unfortunate damsels should be in such haggard and wasted ill-health...
Another marriage—lovely Lilah Grosvenor to Lord Ormonde a case of falling headlong in love on both sides. It sounds very nice and promising; but the poor D. of Westminster was away at the time, and complains much of his daughter of 19 getting engaged in a week's time to an Irishman behind his back! He ought, however, to be glad of her marrying happily, for she has been beset by lovers all the season; and poor young Stafford, her cousin over and over again, wanted to marry her, which would be a dreadful pity.
—Drove one day with Lou to call at a very nice new house near Longstone (the Cravens) full of splendid Coxes and other water-colours; also some Rossettis, very clever and with wonderful colour, but rather hateful, I think, from self-consciousness and a sort of sensuousness; and I can't see why all his unfortunate damsels should be in such haggard and wasted ill-health...
Another marriage—lovely Lilah Grosvenor to Lord Ormonde a case of falling headlong in love on both sides. It sounds very nice and promising; but the poor D. of Westminster was away at the time, and complains much of his daughter of 19 getting engaged in a week's time to an Irishman behind his back! He ought, however, to be glad of her marrying happily, for she has been beset by lovers all the season; and poor young Stafford, her cousin over and over again, wanted to marry her, which would be a dreadful pity.
18Oct1875, Willy Gladstone Brings New Wife Home
HAWARDEN, October 18th-24th, 1875.
—I got up at daybreak on Tuesday and arrived at Hawarden in pouring rain about 12, in good time for the arrival of Mr. and Hon. Mrs. W. H. Gladstone! [FN: Mr. Gladstone's eldest son had just married Gertrude, daughter of the 12th Lord Blantyre.] Old Meriel also turned up; and she and Aunt Coque and I went to Mrs. Burnett's when the striking up of the dear old bells told us that the couple had arrived at Q.'s Ferry (they had been a little turn in N. Wales and came from Capel Curig). The weather was merciful, and held up just for the important hour or two. G. G.'s happy brown face peeped down upon us from Mrs. B.'s window, cheek by jowl with old Miss Scott! she is exactly Cinderella at this moment. The carriage, drawn by men from the top of the village, and surrounded and pursued by cheers, came opposite us in due course, and it would be hard to say which of the two beaming faces were most good to look at! I always did think Willy's face beautiful, especially with his bright embellishing smile ; and she! she's a fair noble creature that all Hawarden will be proud of. When they had passed, we took to our heels and came in for them again as they turned in at the Wynt Gate, and thence to receive them at the S. terrace wall, where they got out and mounted up it by temporary red-cloth'd steps. Uncle W. and Auntie P. met them at the big Lodge gates, and thence managed to get to the old Castle bridge to see them drive under—a pretty sight amid the autumn foliage —and so to the Terrace. Address, cheers, and a very nice speech from Willy, full of feeling.
—I got up at daybreak on Tuesday and arrived at Hawarden in pouring rain about 12, in good time for the arrival of Mr. and Hon. Mrs. W. H. Gladstone! [FN: Mr. Gladstone's eldest son had just married Gertrude, daughter of the 12th Lord Blantyre.] Old Meriel also turned up; and she and Aunt Coque and I went to Mrs. Burnett's when the striking up of the dear old bells told us that the couple had arrived at Q.'s Ferry (they had been a little turn in N. Wales and came from Capel Curig). The weather was merciful, and held up just for the important hour or two. G. G.'s happy brown face peeped down upon us from Mrs. B.'s window, cheek by jowl with old Miss Scott! she is exactly Cinderella at this moment. The carriage, drawn by men from the top of the village, and surrounded and pursued by cheers, came opposite us in due course, and it would be hard to say which of the two beaming faces were most good to look at! I always did think Willy's face beautiful, especially with his bright embellishing smile ; and she! she's a fair noble creature that all Hawarden will be proud of. When they had passed, we took to our heels and came in for them again as they turned in at the Wynt Gate, and thence to receive them at the S. terrace wall, where they got out and mounted up it by temporary red-cloth'd steps. Uncle W. and Auntie P. met them at the big Lodge gates, and thence managed to get to the old Castle bridge to see them drive under—a pretty sight amid the autumn foliage —and so to the Terrace. Address, cheers, and a very nice speech from Willy, full of feeling.
04Oct18875, Jodrell, Lacaita, Doyle, Hill, Huxley, Cowper-Temple
LONDON, October 4th-10th, 1875.
—We dined with Mr. Jodrell, meeting Sir Jas. Lacaita, Sir F. Doyle, and that excellent wonderful woman, Miss Octavia Hill, who told us much about her poor London tenants.... We dined again at Jodrells', meeting the Huxleys; interesting. I fought the battle anti-Cowper-Temple clause: on the grounds that an old well-weighed Catechism is likely to be better than any schoolmaster's crude one.
—We dined with Mr. Jodrell, meeting Sir Jas. Lacaita, Sir F. Doyle, and that excellent wonderful woman, Miss Octavia Hill, who told us much about her poor London tenants.... We dined again at Jodrells', meeting the Huxleys; interesting. I fought the battle anti-Cowper-Temple clause: on the grounds that an old well-weighed Catechism is likely to be better than any schoolmaster's crude one.
27Sep1875, Girls' Endowment Clawed From Boys'
HOLKER, Thurs. September 27th–October 3rd, 1875.
—We went to Bradford, where I had to declare a Girls' Day Grammar-School open; the 1st of the sort, inasmuch as it has an endowment of £200 clawed from boys' education by the Endowed Sch. Commn. It has made a famous start, with over 160 pupils.
—We went to Bradford, where I had to declare a Girls' Day Grammar-School open; the 1st of the sort, inasmuch as it has an endowment of £200 clawed from boys' education by the Endowed Sch. Commn. It has made a famous start, with over 160 pupils.
13Sep1875, Another Fall From a Horse
HOLKER, September 13th-19th, 1875.
—Rode with my Fred on Monday. Hawthorne put her foot into a hidden hole as we were cantering across the field to the Level Crossing, and came down on her nose, so as to send me over her head. It was a very mild tumble, yet it shook me. I think I have now been off in every possible way: having been kicked off, come off at a jump, come down with, and knocked over!
—Rode with my Fred on Monday. Hawthorne put her foot into a hidden hole as we were cantering across the field to the Level Crossing, and came down on her nose, so as to send me over her head. It was a very mild tumble, yet it shook me. I think I have now been off in every possible way: having been kicked off, come off at a jump, come down with, and knocked over!
06Sep1875, Buying and Selling Cattle
HOLKER, September 6th-12th, 1875.
—Called on the Drewrys: found him complacent at having bought a precious calf for 1,000 gs. and sold it next day for 1,100 gs.! Also at the birth of a heifer yesterday worth £1,500.
—Called on the Drewrys: found him complacent at having bought a precious calf for 1,000 gs. and sold it next day for 1,100 gs.! Also at the birth of a heifer yesterday worth £1,500.
30Aug1875, The Complicated Relations of Lady Clinton
BOLTON, August 30th–September 5th, 1875.
—Spencers were expected Monday, but were prevented by the death of old Ly. Clinton, aged 80, who has long been very feeble and doting. Her head was always a little confused, but her involved relationships were enough to account for it. She was sister to one Lady Spencer, stepmother to another, and aunt to a third ; and she is Lord Spencer's own aunt, and likewise his step-mother's step-mother and his brother's grandmother.
—Spencers were expected Monday, but were prevented by the death of old Ly. Clinton, aged 80, who has long been very feeble and doting. Her head was always a little confused, but her involved relationships were enough to account for it. She was sister to one Lady Spencer, stepmother to another, and aunt to a third ; and she is Lord Spencer's own aunt, and likewise his step-mother's step-mother and his brother's grandmother.
23Aug1875, The Duke's Leg is Unwell
BOLTON ABBEY, August 23rd-29th, 1875.
—Shooting only moderate, but weather delightful, and all would be as it should be if the Duke's leg would only get well, but it is the slowest job. An old Professor Williamson, who, in spite of snow-white hair, has a young wife and a baby of 7 weeks old, dropt from the skies, and has been attending to the leg, which is a great blessing. Eddies went Tuesday. By dint of Cavendish offering to drive him, the Duke was at last induced to get into the Laycock phaeton with a dowdy slow pony, and go off on a toodle. It was so ridiculously unlike the manners of both Duke and Markiss as to be very funny; next day he let F. and me take him round by Storiths. Tues. evening, some Leeds infirmary nurses had their tea at the Rectory, and I took them afterwards into the garden all crowded with sweet flowers, and gave each 2 clove pinks and a bit of lavender. Wednesday evening, a school tea.
—Shooting only moderate, but weather delightful, and all would be as it should be if the Duke's leg would only get well, but it is the slowest job. An old Professor Williamson, who, in spite of snow-white hair, has a young wife and a baby of 7 weeks old, dropt from the skies, and has been attending to the leg, which is a great blessing. Eddies went Tuesday. By dint of Cavendish offering to drive him, the Duke was at last induced to get into the Laycock phaeton with a dowdy slow pony, and go off on a toodle. It was so ridiculously unlike the manners of both Duke and Markiss as to be very funny; next day he let F. and me take him round by Storiths. Tues. evening, some Leeds infirmary nurses had their tea at the Rectory, and I took them afterwards into the garden all crowded with sweet flowers, and gave each 2 clove pinks and a bit of lavender. Wednesday evening, a school tea.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
26Jul1875, Spencer on World Tour
LONDON, July 26th–August 1st, 1875.
—One of these days we bade dear old Spencer good-bye, as he is going to Hagley, en route for Liverpool, New York, California, Australia, New Zealand, and India with Mr. Balfour. Oh dear !
—One of these days we bade dear old Spencer good-bye, as he is going to Hagley, en route for Liverpool, New York, California, Australia, New Zealand, and India with Mr. Balfour. Oh dear !
10Jul1875, The Last Lyttelton Half at Eton
LONDON, Saturday, July 10th, 1875.
—Six brothers and 8 sisters and their husbands, Mazy, Helen, and G. G., all at Lord's for the rest of King Alfred's innings—his last match against Harrow, and this the last Lyttelton half at Eton. This, and the immense blank left by darling May, always such an element during these cricket times, made the day sadly unlike itself. Most of us stayed all day. The match was of course drawn—in favour of Eton, but only slightly: Harrow had to follow their innings. Alfred's total was 59—one more than any of them have made against Harrow. Spencer once got 58. Mr. Balfour had Papa and all of us to dinner, as poor Portland Place is being dismantled for its new owners.
09Jul1875, Eton and Harrow Match
LONDON, Friday, July 9th, 1875.
—The Eton and Harrow match began, but only 35 minutes' play could be had, because of the torrents of rain. Alfred and Harding went in, and Alf. got over 20 at a great rate, the state of the ground spoiling both bowling and fielding.
—The Eton and Harrow match began, but only 35 minutes' play could be had, because of the torrents of rain. Alfred and Harding went in, and Alf. got over 20 at a great rate, the state of the ground spoiling both bowling and fielding.
05Jul1875, Queen Sophia of the Netherlands
THE COPPICE, Wed. July 5th-11th, 1875.
—We had luncheon at Devonshire House, after which came the Queen of the Netherlands to see the house, and was great audience to the pictures, giving us the pedigree of the Pr. and Prss. of Orange and the Governess of the Netherlands. Settled Medes and Persians to pay Chatsworth a visit the end of October!
—We had luncheon at Devonshire House, after which came the Queen of the Netherlands to see the house, and was great audience to the pictures, giving us the pedigree of the Pr. and Prss. of Orange and the Governess of the Netherlands. Settled Medes and Persians to pay Chatsworth a visit the end of October!
14Jun1875, First Literary Earnings
08Jun1875, Giggles over Dr. Pusey and Miss Sellon
LONDON, June 8th-13th, 1875.
—Clever breakfast at No. 23 on Friday, when I was also well off between Mr. Murray, the publisher, and Archbishop Trench who, poor man, looks older and grimmer than ever after his thankless incessant toils over the miserable Irish Church legislation. It was quite a treat to see him giggle over Dr. Pusey having been told by candid friends that it was improper for him to entertain Miss Sellon!!! who must now be a very sour old saint verging on 60; while he is a saint indeed, getting on for 80.
—Clever breakfast at No. 23 on Friday, when I was also well off between Mr. Murray, the publisher, and Archbishop Trench who, poor man, looks older and grimmer than ever after his thankless incessant toils over the miserable Irish Church legislation. It was quite a treat to see him giggle over Dr. Pusey having been told by candid friends that it was improper for him to entertain Miss Sellon!!! who must now be a very sour old saint verging on 60; while he is a saint indeed, getting on for 80.
16May1875, Translating for Uncle W.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
15May1875, Wales Children Like Anybody Else
CHATSWORTH, Saturday, May 15th, 1875.
—Saturday the 15th I came to Chatsworth with Papa and Sybella; F. having gone down Friday, when I stayed on to go with M., Mrs. T., Gertrude, and Willy to hear "S. Paul" at Exeter Hall, which was glorious. Endless dawdling journey. At S. Pancras were all the little Wales children, knocking about with tutor and nurses like anybody else on the platform. The 2 boys in Scotch dress; the eldest very pretty and noble-looking, like his mother; and so slim and well-made as to look a fair height; Prince George a gig: little girls fair and like the Queen, I think. F. was at Bradford all day; turned up at midnight.
—Saturday the 15th I came to Chatsworth with Papa and Sybella; F. having gone down Friday, when I stayed on to go with M., Mrs. T., Gertrude, and Willy to hear "S. Paul" at Exeter Hall, which was glorious. Endless dawdling journey. At S. Pancras were all the little Wales children, knocking about with tutor and nurses like anybody else on the platform. The 2 boys in Scotch dress; the eldest very pretty and noble-looking, like his mother; and so slim and well-made as to look a fair height; Prince George a gig: little girls fair and like the Queen, I think. F. was at Bradford all day; turned up at midnight.
Saturday, December 04, 2010
21Mar1875, Her Sister Mary Dies
HAGLEY, Palm Sunday, March 21st, 1875.
—Edward Talbot (who with Lavinia was at the Rectory) [FN: Her sister May had been very ill for some weeks, at Hagley Rectory.] came down at 8, and came to our room. The night had been profoundly quiet: nothing swallowed; no pain. Except Newmany's name, which has all along been oftenest on her lips, I believe she did not speak. It was a bright, clear morning, with shining sun. F. and I walked up together about 9 o'clock, and he went upstairs with me. We knelt together by the bed; he saw her last at Chatsworth in her beauty and brightness. She lay a little propped up, breathing gently; her look was a little troubled. Auntie P. was on the bed at her right side, stroking the wavy hair; Newmany holding her left hand, close to me; poor Edward also near me, watching her earnestly. Auntie P. said, "It's all right, darling; God is taking such care of you," and she told me to say some verses. I repeated, as slowly and clearly as I could, only 2 or 4 lines at a time, parts of Keble's Evening Hymn. The morning must have been streaming in; but the words fitted the awful, still approach of death. The troubled expression passed from the darling's face, and she stretched her hand out to me. When I paused she would look at me, and then turn her pretty head and look up at Auntie P. as if appealing for more words of comfort. I kissed her hand, and we went away. Dr. Wade could not tell how long it might last, so we went down again to be with poor Papa and Sybella. They were setting off to go up the Hill and I was sitting in the Library, looking out other hymns which I thought I might repeat to our darling, and I had chosen "There is a green hill far away," which she so loved to hear Spencer sing — Alfred was playing soft, solemn music, and the pathos of it was bringing floods of tears — when Meriel came down and gently told us the end had come. Not a sound, not a pang: the breathing died away imperceptibly as Uncle B. read the last prayer.
—Edward Talbot (who with Lavinia was at the Rectory) [FN: Her sister May had been very ill for some weeks, at Hagley Rectory.] came down at 8, and came to our room. The night had been profoundly quiet: nothing swallowed; no pain. Except Newmany's name, which has all along been oftenest on her lips, I believe she did not speak. It was a bright, clear morning, with shining sun. F. and I walked up together about 9 o'clock, and he went upstairs with me. We knelt together by the bed; he saw her last at Chatsworth in her beauty and brightness. She lay a little propped up, breathing gently; her look was a little troubled. Auntie P. was on the bed at her right side, stroking the wavy hair; Newmany holding her left hand, close to me; poor Edward also near me, watching her earnestly. Auntie P. said, "It's all right, darling; God is taking such care of you," and she told me to say some verses. I repeated, as slowly and clearly as I could, only 2 or 4 lines at a time, parts of Keble's Evening Hymn. The morning must have been streaming in; but the words fitted the awful, still approach of death. The troubled expression passed from the darling's face, and she stretched her hand out to me. When I paused she would look at me, and then turn her pretty head and look up at Auntie P. as if appealing for more words of comfort. I kissed her hand, and we went away. Dr. Wade could not tell how long it might last, so we went down again to be with poor Papa and Sybella. They were setting off to go up the Hill and I was sitting in the Library, looking out other hymns which I thought I might repeat to our darling, and I had chosen "There is a green hill far away," which she so loved to hear Spencer sing — Alfred was playing soft, solemn music, and the pathos of it was bringing floods of tears — when Meriel came down and gently told us the end had come. Not a sound, not a pang: the breathing died away imperceptibly as Uncle B. read the last prayer.
11Feb1875, Cavendish Elected to Liberal Leadership
HAGLEY, February 8th-11th, 1875.
—Oh dear, not a word have I said of the public and private event of Cavendish's unanimous election to the Liberal Leadership a week or so ago. There would have been great conflict of opinion between him and Mr. Forster, if Mr. F. had not generously refused to be put forward. I believe he would have been the right man; but neither the frantic League dissenters (fools that they are!) nor the old Whigs would follow him. Cavendish seems to be very generally respected and trusted, and he has plenty of abilities, besides great accuracy and good judgment; the worst of him is that I can't imagine him ever strongly zealous or earnest about anything; and he may be lazy; but this I don't expect, as the sense of responsibility will weigh much with him.
—Oh dear, not a word have I said of the public and private event of Cavendish's unanimous election to the Liberal Leadership a week or so ago. There would have been great conflict of opinion between him and Mr. Forster, if Mr. F. had not generously refused to be put forward. I believe he would have been the right man; but neither the frantic League dissenters (fools that they are!) nor the old Whigs would follow him. Cavendish seems to be very generally respected and trusted, and he has plenty of abilities, besides great accuracy and good judgment; the worst of him is that I can't imagine him ever strongly zealous or earnest about anything; and he may be lazy; but this I don't expect, as the sense of responsibility will weigh much with him.
18Jan1875, Gladstone May Retire
HOLKER, Monday, January 18th, 1875.
—To-day the blow that has so long been dreaded falls on the unhappy divided Liberal party. Uncle W. writes to Ld. Granville resigning the Leadership, in a short letter. He says he feels he may fairly retire, after 40 years of public life and at the age of 65, when there is nothing in the state of politics to justify him in hoping his leadership will serve the party, and when his hands are full of other important matters—by which no doubt he means the Papal controversy. We somehow hoped he was willing to come to a compromise, such as being in London thro' the Session, tho' with slight attendance at the House, but so as to be at hand whenever he might be wanted as leader, and thus avoiding the difficulties that came last year of his absence from town, colleagues, and newspapers; (for he never will take in any but the Echo!! when out of Office).
—To-day the blow that has so long been dreaded falls on the unhappy divided Liberal party. Uncle W. writes to Ld. Granville resigning the Leadership, in a short letter. He says he feels he may fairly retire, after 40 years of public life and at the age of 65, when there is nothing in the state of politics to justify him in hoping his leadership will serve the party, and when his hands are full of other important matters—by which no doubt he means the Papal controversy. We somehow hoped he was willing to come to a compromise, such as being in London thro' the Session, tho' with slight attendance at the House, but so as to be at hand whenever he might be wanted as leader, and thus avoiding the difficulties that came last year of his absence from town, colleagues, and newspapers; (for he never will take in any but the Echo!! when out of Office).
01Jan1875, The Skating Was Grand
HOLKER, Friday, New Year's Day, 1875.
—Yesterday should have changed places with to-day for weather; it was dismal, black, and raw. Nevertheless we set out stoutly for Windermere along with Drewry sons and daughter. Began to snow halfway there, and went on till dark with hail, sleet, and rain modifications at last. The skating, however, was grand, the wind blowing much of the snow off the ice, which was splendid, black, and hard, the lake frozen quite round, right across, and nearly up to Bowness.
—Yesterday should have changed places with to-day for weather; it was dismal, black, and raw. Nevertheless we set out stoutly for Windermere along with Drewry sons and daughter. Began to snow halfway there, and went on till dark with hail, sleet, and rain modifications at last. The skating, however, was grand, the wind blowing much of the snow off the ice, which was splendid, black, and hard, the lake frozen quite round, right across, and nearly up to Bowness.
10Dec1874, The Hunting Proved Fragment
CHATSWORTH, Thursday, December 10th, 1874.
—Fairly fine again. L. tennis; Charlotte very eager. It froze sharp, in spite of which Spencer, like his uncle before him ("Uncle Jack"), arose before the dawn on the chance of hunting being possible in S. Derbyshire, and departed with the hapless Mr. Coke and brothers Buller, all en route for various destinations. The hunting proved fragment, as was to be expected. Scarsdales came. [FN: "Uncle Jack" is the Lord Althorp of the great Reform Bill, who was afterwards 3rd Earl Spencer. Spencer in the text means Lord Spencer, not her brother] [FN: Lord and Lady Scarsdale, father and mother of Lord Curzon of Kedleston, the statesman.]
—Fairly fine again. L. tennis; Charlotte very eager. It froze sharp, in spite of which Spencer, like his uncle before him ("Uncle Jack"), arose before the dawn on the chance of hunting being possible in S. Derbyshire, and departed with the hapless Mr. Coke and brothers Buller, all en route for various destinations. The hunting proved fragment, as was to be expected. Scarsdales came. [FN: "Uncle Jack" is the Lord Althorp of the great Reform Bill, who was afterwards 3rd Earl Spencer. Spencer in the text means Lord Spencer, not her brother] [FN: Lord and Lady Scarsdale, father and mother of Lord Curzon of Kedleston, the statesman.]
09Dec1874, Prince George and the Greville Memoirs
CHATSWORTH, Wednesday, December 9th, 1874.
—H.R.H. is very good-natured and jovial, nudging and patting his neighbours, and putting his nose in their ears: he looks 70, which is a pity, at 55. He declaims about Bismarck and the Pope, and lets fly at the "Greville Memoirs" which are just out. No wonder! I have not read it yet, but everyone is open-mouthed about its unkind and trivial gossip, and absence of praise of anyone. To be sure the Regency and late reign must have been thoroughly evil times; and one good the book must do by showing one the present times in bright contrast. What are the Queen's retirement and over-weening love of Scotland, or even the P. of Wales' bad habits, in comparison with the vile Court of Geo. IV, the debts and scandals of the Royal Dukes, and the horrid Queen Caroline chapter!—Thick mist and rain on the top of half-melted snow all day: an appropriate reminiscence of the P. of Wales' visit. We took H.R.H. and the guests over the house.
—H.R.H. is very good-natured and jovial, nudging and patting his neighbours, and putting his nose in their ears: he looks 70, which is a pity, at 55. He declaims about Bismarck and the Pope, and lets fly at the "Greville Memoirs" which are just out. No wonder! I have not read it yet, but everyone is open-mouthed about its unkind and trivial gossip, and absence of praise of anyone. To be sure the Regency and late reign must have been thoroughly evil times; and one good the book must do by showing one the present times in bright contrast. What are the Queen's retirement and over-weening love of Scotland, or even the P. of Wales' bad habits, in comparison with the vile Court of Geo. IV, the debts and scandals of the Royal Dukes, and the horrid Queen Caroline chapter!—Thick mist and rain on the top of half-melted snow all day: an appropriate reminiscence of the P. of Wales' visit. We took H.R.H. and the guests over the house.
08Dec1874, The Chatsworth Magic Lantern
CHATSWORTH, Tuesday, December 8th, 1874.
—We are come to the last slide of the Chatsworth magic lantern: the Duke of Cambridge and his equerry, a funny little man called Tyrwhitt, of no particular age, in a grey wig; Lord Carlingford and Ly. Waldegrave, the Spencers, Mr. Leveson, Cavendish.
—We are come to the last slide of the Chatsworth magic lantern: the Duke of Cambridge and his equerry, a funny little man called Tyrwhitt, of no particular age, in a grey wig; Lord Carlingford and Ly. Waldegrave, the Spencers, Mr. Leveson, Cavendish.
01Dec1874, Pope Calls Uncle W. a Viper
CHATSWORTH, Tuesday, December 1st, 1874.
—Manning has thundered out a circular letter, informing the world that whoever does not accept and believe Immaculate Conception and Papal Infallibility is no Catholic. The Pope has made a funny metaphor in an angry speech calling Uncle W.. a viper attacking the bark of S. Peter!!
—Manning has thundered out a circular letter, informing the world that whoever does not accept and believe Immaculate Conception and Papal Infallibility is no Catholic. The Pope has made a funny metaphor in an angry speech calling Uncle W.. a viper attacking the bark of S. Peter!!
24Nov1874, Cavendish and Flo?
CHATSWORTH, Tuesday, November 24th, 1874.
— Florence [FN: Lady Florence Leveson-Gower, daughter of the Duke of Sutherland.] is a most winning creature, and we can't help a little exciting hope that Cavendish thinks of her. He certainly likes her better than other girls; and at his age one almost feels it is now or never. One evening he even condescended to billiard-battle when she was in the room, and he talks a good deal to her, and what's more watches her. Some people think her like her mother; I don't, thank goodness, see this in the least either in looks or ways. First and foremost, she is extremely natural and genuine.
— Florence [FN: Lady Florence Leveson-Gower, daughter of the Duke of Sutherland.] is a most winning creature, and we can't help a little exciting hope that Cavendish thinks of her. He certainly likes her better than other girls; and at his age one almost feels it is now or never. One evening he even condescended to billiard-battle when she was in the room, and he talks a good deal to her, and what's more watches her. Some people think her like her mother; I don't, thank goodness, see this in the least either in looks or ways. First and foremost, she is extremely natural and genuine.
Wednesday, December 01, 2010
22Nov1874, Letters From R.C.s Keep Appearing
CHATSWORTH, Sunday, November 22nd, 1874.
—Hoarfrost, hardly visible for fog. Georgiana Cavendish played, and Spencer sang delightfully, in church between services; the new organ being lately put up. Various other remarkable letters from R.C.s keep appearing in the papers; Mr. Shee, Mr. Petre, Lord Camoys, and others, disavowing the Decree in very plain language; Sir Geo. Bowyer, etc., taking Manning's view. The whole thing reveals deep and wide differences among R.C.s; and, if Ld. Ripon reads the controversy, he surely must feel a little uncomfortable. Manning, by the bye, pronounces Ld. Camoys a heretic, if he sticks to what he says.
—Hoarfrost, hardly visible for fog. Georgiana Cavendish played, and Spencer sang delightfully, in church between services; the new organ being lately put up. Various other remarkable letters from R.C.s keep appearing in the papers; Mr. Shee, Mr. Petre, Lord Camoys, and others, disavowing the Decree in very plain language; Sir Geo. Bowyer, etc., taking Manning's view. The whole thing reveals deep and wide differences among R.C.s; and, if Ld. Ripon reads the controversy, he surely must feel a little uncomfortable. Manning, by the bye, pronounces Ld. Camoys a heretic, if he sticks to what he says.
13Nov1874, Manning Answers the Pamphlet
CHATSWORTH, Friday, November 13th, 1874.
—Manning has answered the pamphlet in the out-and-out Ultra-montane style, arguing as if submission to Papal Infallibility was identical with obedience to God and conscience, and stoutly maintaining his own loyalty. Ld. Acton, on the same page of The Times, takes the very different line of assuring the world that the Papal pretensions are no worse than they ever were; that R.C.s have been loyal in spite of them before, and will be loyal in spite of them now!!
—Manning has answered the pamphlet in the out-and-out Ultra-montane style, arguing as if submission to Papal Infallibility was identical with obedience to God and conscience, and stoutly maintaining his own loyalty. Ld. Acton, on the same page of The Times, takes the very different line of assuring the world that the Papal pretensions are no worse than they ever were; that R.C.s have been loyal in spite of them before, and will be loyal in spite of them now!!
11Nov1874, Gladstone Pamphlet on Catholocism
CHATSWORTH, Wednesday, November 11th, 1874.
—Uncle William has sent F. a pamphlet just brought out on the Vatican decrees. It is a "Remonstrance," elicited by an outcry which has been raised by one sentence in his article on Ritualism. This is the sentence: "Rome has substituted for the proud boast of 'semper eadem' a policy of violence and change in faith; she has refurbished and paraded anew every rusty tool she was fondly thought to have disused;... no one can become her convert without renouncing his moral and mental freedom, and placing his civil loyalty at the mercy of another;... she has equally repudiated modern thought and ancient history." The Irish and other R.C.s are frantic over this. I can't imagine why. They have always been in the habit of giving hard knocks, and should take return ones philosophically. It almost looks as if they had been imagining Uncle W. a sneaking Romanist, and are now disappointed. This pamphlet defends and substantiates his accusations, and is a powerful and telling show-up of the new and intolerable position in which the Infallibility decree has placed R.C.s who accept it, with regard to their national allegiance. He gives them full credit for practical loyalty; but in face of the demand now made upon them to be absolutely governed by the personal will of the Pope, he calls upon them to declare their allegiance as English subjects. The whole pamphlet is in better and clearer style than anything of his I ever read, has some eloquent passages, and ends with all the fire and dignity of one of his great speech perorations. G. G. and I rode.
—Uncle William has sent F. a pamphlet just brought out on the Vatican decrees. It is a "Remonstrance," elicited by an outcry which has been raised by one sentence in his article on Ritualism. This is the sentence: "Rome has substituted for the proud boast of 'semper eadem' a policy of violence and change in faith; she has refurbished and paraded anew every rusty tool she was fondly thought to have disused;... no one can become her convert without renouncing his moral and mental freedom, and placing his civil loyalty at the mercy of another;... she has equally repudiated modern thought and ancient history." The Irish and other R.C.s are frantic over this. I can't imagine why. They have always been in the habit of giving hard knocks, and should take return ones philosophically. It almost looks as if they had been imagining Uncle W. a sneaking Romanist, and are now disappointed. This pamphlet defends and substantiates his accusations, and is a powerful and telling show-up of the new and intolerable position in which the Infallibility decree has placed R.C.s who accept it, with regard to their national allegiance. He gives them full credit for practical loyalty; but in face of the demand now made upon them to be absolutely governed by the personal will of the Pope, he calls upon them to declare their allegiance as English subjects. The whole pamphlet is in better and clearer style than anything of his I ever read, has some eloquent passages, and ends with all the fire and dignity of one of his great speech perorations. G. G. and I rode.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
19Oct1874, Deep But Cheerful Mourning
RABY, Monday, October 19th, 1874.
—We 3 went on to Raby, where we found the Duchess of Cleveland, in deep but cheerful mourning for her sister-in-law Ly. Augusta Milbanke who died last month; entertaining Foresters, Carpenters (Talbots), and Miss Mundy, a Mr. Crofton and Mr. Williamson. Whist with the gracious old Duke.
—We 3 went on to Raby, where we found the Duchess of Cleveland, in deep but cheerful mourning for her sister-in-law Ly. Augusta Milbanke who died last month; entertaining Foresters, Carpenters (Talbots), and Miss Mundy, a Mr. Crofton and Mr. Williamson. Whist with the gracious old Duke.
09Oct1874, Walked With Florence
DUNROBIN, Friday, October 9th, 1874.
—Yesterday at noon- the beauty of things was intense. It was radiant, cloudless S. Luke's summer weather, and I went down to the sea—blue, blue sea, with the glowing woods sloping down to it, and the kingly white pinnacles of the castle towering up into the heavenly sky. Muggy to-day. Lawn-tennis. I walked with Florence, [FN: Lady Florence Leveson-Gower. She married Henry Chaplin afterwards 1st Viscount Chaplin.] whom I greatly like. She is very pretty, without real beauty; very high-bred and with a delightful figure: coming in from tennis in a big Rubens hat, she looked enchanting.
—Yesterday at noon- the beauty of things was intense. It was radiant, cloudless S. Luke's summer weather, and I went down to the sea—blue, blue sea, with the glowing woods sloping down to it, and the kingly white pinnacles of the castle towering up into the heavenly sky. Muggy to-day. Lawn-tennis. I walked with Florence, [FN: Lady Florence Leveson-Gower. She married Henry Chaplin afterwards 1st Viscount Chaplin.] whom I greatly like. She is very pretty, without real beauty; very high-bred and with a delightful figure: coming in from tennis in a big Rubens hat, she looked enchanting.
23Sep1874, Hardly Any Royal Proprieties
INVERARAY, Wednesday, September 23rd, 1874.
—We have hardly any Royal proprieties with H.R.H.—an occasional "Mum" from us visitors, and a very feeble pretence at getting up when she comes in late for breakfast, is about all. She seems very much devoted to her husband: jumped up from the floor where she was playing with the little Percys when he came in from shooting, saying, "Oh, I must go and see about his clothes or he will never change!"... I had a lovely walk. The giant beech avenues and other glorious trees are a great delight.
—We have hardly any Royal proprieties with H.R.H.—an occasional "Mum" from us visitors, and a very feeble pretence at getting up when she comes in late for breakfast, is about all. She seems very much devoted to her husband: jumped up from the floor where she was playing with the little Percys when he came in from shooting, saying, "Oh, I must go and see about his clothes or he will never change!"... I had a lovely walk. The giant beech avenues and other glorious trees are a great delight.
21Sep1874, Driving With the Duchess and Edith Percy
INVERARAY, September 21st, 1874.
—Much rain. F., however, had an enchanting day's shooting: black game; the grouse are more destroyed here than in Yorkshire. I drove with the Duchess and Edith, and darling Lord Warkworth [FN: Afterwards Earl Percy and Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs.] who loves my catspaw seal being stamped on his little white arm. He is Percy-ish and not pretty, but has a dear smile: Josceline, a fat two-year-old, is the only beauty, being like his mother; the twin girls are like demure damsels in stiff long frocks out of a Vandyck picture, and there is a baby called Margaret with the D. of Argyll's red-gold hair. We drove in the woods amid magnificent trees, and ended along the loch to see the yacht appear, which brought home the Lornes and Ld. Percy. Princess Louise very pleasant and easy; seems comfortable with them all.
—Much rain. F., however, had an enchanting day's shooting: black game; the grouse are more destroyed here than in Yorkshire. I drove with the Duchess and Edith, and darling Lord Warkworth [FN: Afterwards Earl Percy and Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs.] who loves my catspaw seal being stamped on his little white arm. He is Percy-ish and not pretty, but has a dear smile: Josceline, a fat two-year-old, is the only beauty, being like his mother; the twin girls are like demure damsels in stiff long frocks out of a Vandyck picture, and there is a baby called Margaret with the D. of Argyll's red-gold hair. We drove in the woods amid magnificent trees, and ended along the loch to see the yacht appear, which brought home the Lornes and Ld. Percy. Princess Louise very pleasant and easy; seems comfortable with them all.
20Sep1874, In a Scotch Kirk
INVERARAY, Sunday, September 20th, 1874.
—I had my first experience of a Scotch kirk. Lifeless and dull and dead—a very frame of dry-bones it was to me! and I can't get over my amazement at such services being the food of so much religious life, as no doubt they are in this country. Two chapters in the Bible, and the fine old rolling tunes to which they sang the rough metrical Psalms, and "Sun of my soul," with which we ended (at noon!) were the only comforts.
—I had my first experience of a Scotch kirk. Lifeless and dull and dead—a very frame of dry-bones it was to me! and I can't get over my amazement at such services being the food of so much religious life, as no doubt they are in this country. Two chapters in the Bible, and the fine old rolling tunes to which they sang the rough metrical Psalms, and "Sun of my soul," with which we ended (at noon!) were the only comforts.
19Sep1874, Touring Scotland, Visting the Argylls
GLASGOW, Saturday, September 19th, 1874.
—Did Glasgow; viz., the quay, where F. had to acknowledge Barrow immensely outdone, tho' Barrow has some better appliances; some shopping, and the noble cathedral, whose Presbyterian arrangements nearly gave me a fit: the crowning object being of course the pulpit. As soon as we were clear of the town, about 11, rain set in, and lasted without intermission all up Lake Lomond, all thro' our 24 miles' posting by Glencroe and Loch Long, and so up to the castle door of Inveraray. We made the most we could of the bases of the mountains, and the innumerable torrents, and were much refreshed by a nap in the midst of the grandest part of the posting! In the blur of the mist and rain we both took a cluster of tree-tops above the town of Inveraray for the castle!! and as the effect of lofty, hoary towers and pinnacles quite out-Hardwicked Hardwick, we wondered at what we had heard of the ugliness thereof. But the real article, seen in the gloomy twilight, looked dismal enough: rather like Milbank Penitentiary. Warm and kind and comfortable within, however: Duke and Duchess, Edith Percy and her 5 children, Colin, a very beautiful youth, Libbie, Victoria, Evelyn, Mary, and lovely little Constance. [FN: are children of the Duke of Argyll, not of his daughter Lady Percy.]
—Did Glasgow; viz., the quay, where F. had to acknowledge Barrow immensely outdone, tho' Barrow has some better appliances; some shopping, and the noble cathedral, whose Presbyterian arrangements nearly gave me a fit: the crowning object being of course the pulpit. As soon as we were clear of the town, about 11, rain set in, and lasted without intermission all up Lake Lomond, all thro' our 24 miles' posting by Glencroe and Loch Long, and so up to the castle door of Inveraray. We made the most we could of the bases of the mountains, and the innumerable torrents, and were much refreshed by a nap in the midst of the grandest part of the posting! In the blur of the mist and rain we both took a cluster of tree-tops above the town of Inveraray for the castle!! and as the effect of lofty, hoary towers and pinnacles quite out-Hardwicked Hardwick, we wondered at what we had heard of the ugliness thereof. But the real article, seen in the gloomy twilight, looked dismal enough: rather like Milbank Penitentiary. Warm and kind and comfortable within, however: Duke and Duchess, Edith Percy and her 5 children, Colin, a very beautiful youth, Libbie, Victoria, Evelyn, Mary, and lovely little Constance. [FN: are children of the Duke of Argyll, not of his daughter Lady Percy.]
18Sep1874, Crossing the Border for the 1st Time
GLASGOW, Friday, September 18th, 1874.
—The great event came off of my crossing the Border for the 1st time. We reached Glasgow about 6 and went to the Queen's Hotel. It is great fun for me; so little do I see of new places in Great Britain. We are rather dingy, but comfortable.
—The great event came off of my crossing the Border for the 1st time. We reached Glasgow about 6 and went to the Queen's Hotel. It is great fun for me; so little do I see of new places in Great Britain. We are rather dingy, but comfortable.
17Sep1874, Lawn-Tennis Prevailed
HOLKER, Monday, September 7th, 1874.—Lawn-tennis prevailed.
HOLKER, Thursday, September 17th, 1874.—Lawn-tennis.
HOLKER, Thursday, September 17th, 1874.—Lawn-tennis.
05Sep1874, Lord Ripon Gone Over to Church of Rome
HOLKER, Saturday, September 5th, 1874.
—One horrid thing signalized my birthday: the news in the paper of Ld. Ripon of all people in the world having gone over to Rome. I knew months ago that it was brewing: in March. How any sensible, straightforward, middle-aged Englishman can bring himself to believe the Infallibility of the Pope and the Immaculate Conception, as he believes the Apostles' Creed! or can in conscience accept these doctrines without believing them, beats me. Even if (which God forbid) I saw no alternative between this and infidelity, I had far rather "wait in the darkness" patiently, and be as illogical as possible, than so force my conscience.
—One horrid thing signalized my birthday: the news in the paper of Ld. Ripon of all people in the world having gone over to Rome. I knew months ago that it was brewing: in March. How any sensible, straightforward, middle-aged Englishman can bring himself to believe the Infallibility of the Pope and the Immaculate Conception, as he believes the Apostles' Creed! or can in conscience accept these doctrines without believing them, beats me. Even if (which God forbid) I saw no alternative between this and infidelity, I had far rather "wait in the darkness" patiently, and be as illogical as possible, than so force my conscience.
03Sep1874, Potentate Impressed With the Duke
HOLKER, September 3rd, 1874.
—Gentlemen perdus as before. A very funny Belgian potentate named d'Andrimont is here, and makes himself agreeable to us on their return after dinner: he is greatly impressed with "l'activité du Duc, qu'on dirait un jeune homme de 17 ans: il saute, il danse, comme un chevreuil." (looks like a young man of 17 years: he jumps, he dances like a deer) Not quite one's idea of His Grace!
—Gentlemen perdus as before. A very funny Belgian potentate named d'Andrimont is here, and makes himself agreeable to us on their return after dinner: he is greatly impressed with "l'activité du Duc, qu'on dirait un jeune homme de 17 ans: il saute, il danse, comme un chevreuil." (looks like a young man of 17 years: he jumps, he dances like a deer) Not quite one's idea of His Grace!
06Aug1874, Floods of Butter Over Dizzy
HOLKER, Thursday, August 6th, 1874.
—We stuck up lawn-tennis just outside the garden-gate, on a bit of grass Eddy had been cutting and rolling....
The H. of Lords has kicked out the "appeal" to the Archbishops, and the Commons have had the sense to submit, and so the Bill [FN: The Public Worship Regulation Bill.] is passed, decidedly improved. It is a triumph for Uncle W. to have gained this point about the Archbishop appeal, in spite of his small and disorganized party. But indeed parties have been mixed up in an odd confusion upon the question. At the 3rd reading, Sir W. Harcourt was so insufferably insolent to his late chief, that he, at last, after long patience on the part of Uncle W., caught it uncommonly hot from him! and the House seems to have been delighted thereat. To make his speech still nicer, Sir W. poured floods of butter over Dizzy, while Dizzy, on his part, made savage tho' sly cuts at Lord Salisbury; so it was a surprising and peculiar scene altogether.
—We stuck up lawn-tennis just outside the garden-gate, on a bit of grass Eddy had been cutting and rolling....
The H. of Lords has kicked out the "appeal" to the Archbishops, and the Commons have had the sense to submit, and so the Bill [FN: The Public Worship Regulation Bill.] is passed, decidedly improved. It is a triumph for Uncle W. to have gained this point about the Archbishop appeal, in spite of his small and disorganized party. But indeed parties have been mixed up in an odd confusion upon the question. At the 3rd reading, Sir W. Harcourt was so insufferably insolent to his late chief, that he, at last, after long patience on the part of Uncle W., caught it uncommonly hot from him! and the House seems to have been delighted thereat. To make his speech still nicer, Sir W. poured floods of butter over Dizzy, while Dizzy, on his part, made savage tho' sly cuts at Lord Salisbury; so it was a surprising and peculiar scene altogether.
23Jul1874, Fancy Dress Ball at Marlborough House
LONDON, Wednesday, July 23rd, 1874.
—We dined with the Granvilles, meeting Cowpers, Cavendish, Ld. Mandeville [FN: Afterwards 8th Duke of Manchester.] (an ugly youth, but rather taking), De Vescis and daughter, Bertie, Duke of Sutherland, and certain Americans, etc., one of whom got drunk. Conversation turned much on the fancy ball at Marlboro' House, which came off t'other night, and for which I saw Cavendish arrayed in Tudor costume. He looked famously well and handsome—very like one's idea of Henry VIII [FN: I think he again appeared as Henry VIII at the famous fancy-dress ball given at Devonshire House after he had succeeded to the Dukedom.] in his youth, before he was fat. Lord Cowper was in Venetian dress, and, quoth Ly. Cowper, "looked beautiful," as I can believe. Among the ladies (who clearly produced less effect) Ly. Hardwick seems to have been preeminent; Ly. Granville very striking in Vandyck dress, with great shady hat. The whole thing was arranged and set in order by Leighton the artist.
—We dined with the Granvilles, meeting Cowpers, Cavendish, Ld. Mandeville [FN: Afterwards 8th Duke of Manchester.] (an ugly youth, but rather taking), De Vescis and daughter, Bertie, Duke of Sutherland, and certain Americans, etc., one of whom got drunk. Conversation turned much on the fancy ball at Marlboro' House, which came off t'other night, and for which I saw Cavendish arrayed in Tudor costume. He looked famously well and handsome—very like one's idea of Henry VIII [FN: I think he again appeared as Henry VIII at the famous fancy-dress ball given at Devonshire House after he had succeeded to the Dukedom.] in his youth, before he was fat. Lord Cowper was in Venetian dress, and, quoth Ly. Cowper, "looked beautiful," as I can believe. Among the ladies (who clearly produced less effect) Ly. Hardwick seems to have been preeminent; Ly. Granville very striking in Vandyck dress, with great shady hat. The whole thing was arranged and set in order by Leighton the artist.
07Jul1874, Old Sir Anthony Panizzi
LONDON, Tuesday, July 7th, 1874.
—We dined with Uncle W. at old Sir Anthony Panizzi's [FN: An Italian patriot and refugee who became Principal Librarian of the British Museum and a K.C.B.]: he is chair-ridden and very helpless, but amazing good company. Flew at Uncle W. for having too much to say to "priests"; and would not be pacified by his rejoinder of "How comes it, then, that no man is so hated as I am by the Roman Curia?" or by his announcement that it was orders from Rome that shipwrecked the Irish Universities Bill. Capital good dinner for us four. The old fellow kept breaking out with his objurgations against "priests" at odd moments all the evening through.
—We dined with Uncle W. at old Sir Anthony Panizzi's [FN: An Italian patriot and refugee who became Principal Librarian of the British Museum and a K.C.B.]: he is chair-ridden and very helpless, but amazing good company. Flew at Uncle W. for having too much to say to "priests"; and would not be pacified by his rejoinder of "How comes it, then, that no man is so hated as I am by the Roman Curia?" or by his announcement that it was orders from Rome that shipwrecked the Irish Universities Bill. Capital good dinner for us four. The old fellow kept breaking out with his objurgations against "priests" at odd moments all the evening through.
11Jun1874, Thoughts on The Archbishop's Bill
LONDON, Thursday, June 11th, 1874.
—The Archbishop's Bill for facilitating legal proceedings against supposed law-breaking clergy is passing thro' the House of Lords. Some of the Ritualist proceedings are nearly unbearable. The enforcement of Fasting Communion as a sort of 11th Commandment is one common practice. I mean it is made next to impossible for people to Communicate at mid-day; so that the mid-day Celebration (generally the musical and "High" one) is fast becoming a Service to "assist at" instead of a Communion to receive. Urging habitual confession on all, instead of recommending it in extreme cases to some, is another. Invocations to the B. Virgin and the Saints, imploring their prayers, is another; and along with this one cannot but be suspicious of side-altars which one sees now and then in ordinary-sized churches where they cannot be required for duplicate services. These things are distinct disloyalties to the Prayer Book; and therefore I think show more than anything else that distaste for our Church as Anglican which leads people to Rome. They fix their whole affections on Catholicity, and cease to be watchful against its medieval and modern corruptions, and drop altogether all interest in the English Church.
—The Archbishop's Bill for facilitating legal proceedings against supposed law-breaking clergy is passing thro' the House of Lords. Some of the Ritualist proceedings are nearly unbearable. The enforcement of Fasting Communion as a sort of 11th Commandment is one common practice. I mean it is made next to impossible for people to Communicate at mid-day; so that the mid-day Celebration (generally the musical and "High" one) is fast becoming a Service to "assist at" instead of a Communion to receive. Urging habitual confession on all, instead of recommending it in extreme cases to some, is another. Invocations to the B. Virgin and the Saints, imploring their prayers, is another; and along with this one cannot but be suspicious of side-altars which one sees now and then in ordinary-sized churches where they cannot be required for duplicate services. These things are distinct disloyalties to the Prayer Book; and therefore I think show more than anything else that distaste for our Church as Anglican which leads people to Rome. They fix their whole affections on Catholicity, and cease to be watchful against its medieval and modern corruptions, and drop altogether all interest in the English Church.
20May1874, A Meeting of Supplemental Ladies
LONDON, Wednesday, May 20th, 1874.
—Went with Lady Granville to a little meeting of Supplemental ladies at the Oldfields', to discuss a little "Steppingstone" Home for little would-be servant gals of low degree. Charlotte Spencer, Mrs. Loyd Lindsay, Ly. Marion Alford, Aunt Yaddy, and other great dames were there.
—Went with Lady Granville to a little meeting of Supplemental ladies at the Oldfields', to discuss a little "Steppingstone" Home for little would-be servant gals of low degree. Charlotte Spencer, Mrs. Loyd Lindsay, Ly. Marion Alford, Aunt Yaddy, and other great dames were there.
19May1874, The Queen and Nicholas I of Russia
LONDON, Tuesday, May 19th, 1874.
—One of these days came off a fine ball at Stafford House, where the Czar, [FN: Alexander II] who has just come over to see his daughter, was entertained. He is a dignified, well-looking man, but must be immeasurably inferior in appearance to his splendid gigantic father, of whom the Queen must often have thought as she received this one with the same honours. Well do I remember Granny's description of the grand parting of the Queen and the Emperor Nicholas; when, encircled by the whole Court in the great hall, the Queen bade him farewell with a magnificent curtsey, and he made a magnificent bow.
—One of these days came off a fine ball at Stafford House, where the Czar, [FN: Alexander II] who has just come over to see his daughter, was entertained. He is a dignified, well-looking man, but must be immeasurably inferior in appearance to his splendid gigantic father, of whom the Queen must often have thought as she received this one with the same honours. Well do I remember Granny's description of the grand parting of the Queen and the Emperor Nicholas; when, encircled by the whole Court in the great hall, the Queen bade him farewell with a magnificent curtsey, and he made a magnificent bow.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
29Apr1874, Sir Ch. Trevelyan Remembers
LONDON, Wednesday, April 29th, 1874.
—Visited Aunt Caroline, and Mrs. Dugdale, who seems to be keeping house for poor widowed Sir Ch. Trevelyan. He was there, and enjoyed our visit, and showing off a beautiful Dugdale baby. Went off into reminiscences of his youth, a propos of the great increase of religious earnestness: said he used to be sent as a boy to see the "promenade" in the Park on Sundays of all the beauty and fashion driving and gossiping. Those who didn't were called Saints. And he said he remembered boys at school going up for Confirmation again and again for the sake of the day's outing!! Likewise, he remembers seeing a wretched boy tossed at a bull-baiting.
—Visited Aunt Caroline, and Mrs. Dugdale, who seems to be keeping house for poor widowed Sir Ch. Trevelyan. He was there, and enjoyed our visit, and showing off a beautiful Dugdale baby. Went off into reminiscences of his youth, a propos of the great increase of religious earnestness: said he used to be sent as a boy to see the "promenade" in the Park on Sundays of all the beauty and fashion driving and gossiping. Those who didn't were called Saints. And he said he remembered boys at school going up for Confirmation again and again for the sake of the day's outing!! Likewise, he remembers seeing a wretched boy tossed at a bull-baiting.
25Mar1874, The Lion: Sir Garnet Wolseley
LONDON, Wednesday, March 25th, 1874.
—Dined at No. 11, meeting no less a lion than Sir Garnet Wolseley [FN: Afterwards Viscount Wolseley. He had just returned from the Ashantee War.] with all his laurels fresh. A little, spare, brown man, only 40, with nothing about him to show his power except his very bright steady eyes. His wife pretty and nice, and proud of him. He was quite simple in manner, and told one straightforwardly all one wanted to know.
—Dined at No. 11, meeting no less a lion than Sir Garnet Wolseley [FN: Afterwards Viscount Wolseley. He had just returned from the Ashantee War.] with all his laurels fresh. A little, spare, brown man, only 40, with nothing about him to show his power except his very bright steady eyes. His wife pretty and nice, and proud of him. He was quite simple in manner, and told one straightforwardly all one wanted to know.
23Mar1874, As Jolly as a Sand-boy
LONDON, Monday, March 23rd, 1874.
—Eastward! Dear Miss Lilley turned up at the Hospital, having been to see a sick Limehouse body (who arose up in bed and kissed her!). At 5.30 tea turned up Uncle W., as jolly as a sand-boy at having shirked the House; and made himself highly agreeable to Lady Ripon who also turned up.
—Eastward! Dear Miss Lilley turned up at the Hospital, having been to see a sick Limehouse body (who arose up in bed and kissed her!). At 5.30 tea turned up Uncle W., as jolly as a sand-boy at having shirked the House; and made himself highly agreeable to Lady Ripon who also turned up.
21Mar1874, Beautiful Quartet Fiddling
LONDON, Saturday, March 21st, 1874.
—After dinner had the great treat of beautiful quartet fiddling at Mr. Balfour's, along with a select circle almost entirely composed of Lytteltons and Gladstones.
—After dinner had the great treat of beautiful quartet fiddling at Mr. Balfour's, along with a select circle almost entirely composed of Lytteltons and Gladstones.
19Mar1874, Gladstone House To Let
LONDON, Thursday, March 19th, 1874.
—Poor old Auntie more composed and cheery, tho' hating the thought of No. 11 [FN: The Gladstones' house in Carlton House Terrace] being let for the season. To the great relief of all his unfortunate party, Uncle W. has consented to lead when he is wanted! and sure enough yesterday he spoke very well upon the Address, and to-day as brilliantly as ever in explanation of his late course, demolishing the impertinent "Harry Chaplin," who thought fit to give him a blowing-up for his past Irish policy.
—Poor old Auntie more composed and cheery, tho' hating the thought of No. 11 [FN: The Gladstones' house in Carlton House Terrace] being let for the season. To the great relief of all his unfortunate party, Uncle W. has consented to lead when he is wanted! and sure enough yesterday he spoke very well upon the Address, and to-day as brilliantly as ever in explanation of his late course, demolishing the impertinent "Harry Chaplin," who thought fit to give him a blowing-up for his past Irish policy.
08Mar1874, Yonge's Life of Bishop Patteson
HOLKER, Sunday, March 8th, 1874.
—Finished this evening a book that has taken great hold upon me, and that one ought to thank God for, Miss Yonge's Life of Bishop Patteson. It is a glorious shining proof from beginning to end of what our own dear Church can bring forth. His life was given in single-minded, pure devotion to God's work in the Melanesian Islands; and without sensational results though it might be, the seed sown went deep down and he lived to see it take root downward and bear fruit upward. Oh, what it is to see the Divine Life and Power as fresh and prevailing as ever, when once the Love of Christ is shining! What but that could produce in the heathen converts the blessed gifts of joy and hope and true penitence: their very words the same as of old, speaking of "all things being made new" to them. And then the Bishop's own shining character! Thro' toil and anxiety and loss of home and friends, loneliness, and, latterly, weakness and suffering, what blessedness and peace! what humility, faith, and love!
—Finished this evening a book that has taken great hold upon me, and that one ought to thank God for, Miss Yonge's Life of Bishop Patteson. It is a glorious shining proof from beginning to end of what our own dear Church can bring forth. His life was given in single-minded, pure devotion to God's work in the Melanesian Islands; and without sensational results though it might be, the seed sown went deep down and he lived to see it take root downward and bear fruit upward. Oh, what it is to see the Divine Life and Power as fresh and prevailing as ever, when once the Love of Christ is shining! What but that could produce in the heathen converts the blessed gifts of joy and hope and true penitence: their very words the same as of old, speaking of "all things being made new" to them. And then the Bishop's own shining character! Thro' toil and anxiety and loss of home and friends, loneliness, and, latterly, weakness and suffering, what blessedness and peace! what humility, faith, and love!
07Mar8174, Gladstone: No Active Lead in House
HOLKER, Saturday, March 7th, 1874.
—Grim news of Uncle W.'s determination, on deliberate grounds of what he thinks right, to take no active lead in the House this year. It will have to be Cavendish.
—Grim news of Uncle W.'s determination, on deliberate grounds of what he thinks right, to take no active lead in the House this year. It will have to be Cavendish.
Saturday, November 06, 2010
02Mar1874, The Tichborne Verdict
HOLKER, Monday, March 2nd, 1874.
—The magnificent summing-up of Lord Chief Justice Cockburn ended on Saturday, and the jury in half an hour's time brought in a verdict of Guilty on both counts ; and miserable Arthur Orton stands at last stripped of all his shams and masks, in native baseness. He is sentenced to penal servitude for 14 years. His counsel Kenealy is gibbeted by judges and jury for abominable slanders and false accusations: and people say he must be disbarred. It is some comfort to perceive that the very mob have lost faith in their hero and he was taken off to Newgate without disturbance.
—The magnificent summing-up of Lord Chief Justice Cockburn ended on Saturday, and the jury in half an hour's time brought in a verdict of Guilty on both counts ; and miserable Arthur Orton stands at last stripped of all his shams and masks, in native baseness. He is sentenced to penal servitude for 14 years. His counsel Kenealy is gibbeted by judges and jury for abominable slanders and false accusations: and people say he must be disbarred. It is some comfort to perceive that the very mob have lost faith in their hero and he was taken off to Newgate without disturbance.
20Feb1874, A Great Five Years
LONDON, Friday, February 20th, 1874.
—Uncle W. picking up his spirits already; but he is deeply indignant with the party—says there is no one point on which they would act together, and calls his 2nd fiddle election his "disgrace." Declaimed about it all a good deal; but after all Mr. Leveson was right t'other day when he said no Government ever went out with cleaner hands and a more glorious past. It has been a "great five years."
—Uncle W. picking up his spirits already; but he is deeply indignant with the party—says there is no one point on which they would act together, and calls his 2nd fiddle election his "disgrace." Declaimed about it all a good deal; but after all Mr. Leveson was right t'other day when he said no Government ever went out with cleaner hands and a more glorious past. It has been a "great five years."
17Feb1874, Disembodied Spirits
LONDON, February 17th, Shrove Tuesday, 1874. —
To London. Saw the Gladstones before dinner. He had just come from the Queen, and was looking upset and sad; he had no expectation of anything like such a crash, and, with all his longing for rest, the mighty defeat cannot but be heavy to bear. She, poor dear, is very wretched about it.
We went to their tail after dinner—saw Argylls, Ld. Granville, Ld. Wolverton, Charles, and many "disembodied spirits," as Uncle W. calls the unseated members.
To London. Saw the Gladstones before dinner. He had just come from the Queen, and was looking upset and sad; he had no expectation of anything like such a crash, and, with all his longing for rest, the mighty defeat cannot but be heavy to bear. She, poor dear, is very wretched about it.
We went to their tail after dinner—saw Argylls, Ld. Granville, Ld. Wolverton, Charles, and many "disembodied spirits," as Uncle W. calls the unseated members.
12Feb1874, We Came Out Triumphant
BRADFORD, Thursday, February 12th, 1874.
—We came out triumphant, 3 cheers! F. at the head, Mr. Wilson only 23 behind him — majority over 800. In brighter days it would have been 2,000; but this ain't amiss. It is a great delight and gratification. I "put in" the time of suspense pretty well, skating with the Law girls in Peel Park.... Our news came at 4.30.... I much feared I should kiss Mr. Law, dear man, or Mr. Wilson, or both; but it was happily averted.
—We came out triumphant, 3 cheers! F. at the head, Mr. Wilson only 23 behind him — majority over 800. In brighter days it would have been 2,000; but this ain't amiss. It is a great delight and gratification. I "put in" the time of suspense pretty well, skating with the Law girls in Peel Park.... Our news came at 4.30.... I much feared I should kiss Mr. Law, dear man, or Mr. Wilson, or both; but it was happily averted.
11Feb1874, Pollingday
BRADFORD, Wednesday, February 11th, 1874.
—Pollingday. We should be delightfully confident, if it were not for the general rout of the Liberal party which is taking place all over the country, the causes of which are not every easy to determine. Probably many causes combine. Uncle W.'se government has been economical, with the grand result of national unbounded prosperity; but various "interests" have suffered in their pockets, and are furious against him; the Licensed Victuallers and publicans are all up in arms; and there is a universal sense of weariness and wish for letting things alone. And I believe the Secularists, and their tools the Irreconcileable Dissenters, have thoroughly frightened the country, which has plenty of strong attachment to the Church Establishment and Religious Education; and this must have a deal to do with the reaction. The Liberation and Birmingham League return very few representatives, and the party is paying the price of its wretched disorder and splits, and suffering for its innumerable hobby-riders and crotchet-mongers, who, like dogs on a racecourse, prance wildly about the field and get under the feet of the great champions of the great cause—breaking their own stupid backs in the process, and spoiling the race. Frank, Cavendish, Willy, Mr. Leveson are in, but Uncle W. himself is but a miserable 2nd at Greenwich and Eddy is beaten with Sir J. Shuttleworth in N.E. Lancashire. He turned up to dinner here last night.
—Pollingday. We should be delightfully confident, if it were not for the general rout of the Liberal party which is taking place all over the country, the causes of which are not every easy to determine. Probably many causes combine. Uncle W.'se government has been economical, with the grand result of national unbounded prosperity; but various "interests" have suffered in their pockets, and are furious against him; the Licensed Victuallers and publicans are all up in arms; and there is a universal sense of weariness and wish for letting things alone. And I believe the Secularists, and their tools the Irreconcileable Dissenters, have thoroughly frightened the country, which has plenty of strong attachment to the Church Establishment and Religious Education; and this must have a deal to do with the reaction. The Liberation and Birmingham League return very few representatives, and the party is paying the price of its wretched disorder and splits, and suffering for its innumerable hobby-riders and crotchet-mongers, who, like dogs on a racecourse, prance wildly about the field and get under the feet of the great champions of the great cause—breaking their own stupid backs in the process, and spoiling the race. Frank, Cavendish, Willy, Mr. Leveson are in, but Uncle W. himself is but a miserable 2nd at Greenwich and Eddy is beaten with Sir J. Shuttleworth in N.E. Lancashire. He turned up to dinner here last night.
06Feb1874, The Tichborne Trial
BRADFORD, Friday, February 6th, 1874.
—All this while the Lord Chief Justice Cockburn has been summing up in the Tichborne trial. The Spectator truly says that he must have felt as a 1st-rate singer would do, when, on striking up, all the children in the house began to squall! His speech beginning with the General Election. The Claimant is being clearly tho' gradually unravelled, and an unspeakably mean monster of fraud, lying, perjury, and all uncleanness he must be.
—All this while the Lord Chief Justice Cockburn has been summing up in the Tichborne trial. The Spectator truly says that he must have felt as a 1st-rate singer would do, when, on striking up, all the children in the house began to squall! His speech beginning with the General Election. The Claimant is being clearly tho' gradually unravelled, and an unspeakably mean monster of fraud, lying, perjury, and all uncleanness he must be.
02Feb1874, Like Tragedy and Comedy
ESHTON, Monday, February 2nd, 1874.
—The meeting was in the Keighley Mechanics' Institute, at 8. The fine big hall was crammed in every corner. F. spoke with rather less effect than at Halifax, confining himself almost entirely to finance, but the people listened famously well, and I enjoyed the sight of their keen, shrewd faces. At first there were symptoms of opposition, from Tory, extreme Radical, and Republican (! ! !) sections, but all this seemed to dwindle away. My proudest time was during the questions, in which my old Fred does certainly excel. He is thoroughly up upon all the subjects and one could see growing respect and confidence in the faces below. Jolly old Mr. Wilson followed suit with unbounded good-will and pluck, but not quite with all the knowledge of the various matters one could wish; occasionally taking wild Radical flights, occasionally coming out rather old Tory than otherwise; but always with straightforwardness and bonhomie. What with F.'s profound earnestness and his humorous hitting, they are a good deal like Tragedy and Comedy. The meeting ended with splendid enthusiasm, and was all but unanimous, barely 6 hands being held up against us.
—The meeting was in the Keighley Mechanics' Institute, at 8. The fine big hall was crammed in every corner. F. spoke with rather less effect than at Halifax, confining himself almost entirely to finance, but the people listened famously well, and I enjoyed the sight of their keen, shrewd faces. At first there were symptoms of opposition, from Tory, extreme Radical, and Republican (! ! !) sections, but all this seemed to dwindle away. My proudest time was during the questions, in which my old Fred does certainly excel. He is thoroughly up upon all the subjects and one could see growing respect and confidence in the faces below. Jolly old Mr. Wilson followed suit with unbounded good-will and pluck, but not quite with all the knowledge of the various matters one could wish; occasionally taking wild Radical flights, occasionally coming out rather old Tory than otherwise; but always with straightforwardness and bonhomie. What with F.'s profound earnestness and his humorous hitting, they are a good deal like Tragedy and Comedy. The meeting ended with splendid enthusiasm, and was all but unanimous, barely 6 hands being held up against us.
28Jan1874, The Irreconcileables and Sir Salt
BRADFORD, Wednesday, January 28th, 1874.
—F. came home late, and a good deal harassed. He has no wish to attempt to conciliate the Irreconcileables; but the best class of dissenters who are supporting him and earnest against splitting up the party, have sat upon him to make some concession, and he has written to Sir Titus Salt (a typical man of the sort) to re-state his determination against excluding religion from Board Schools, and his opinion that taking away the liberty of parents in the choice of schools will greatly hinder compulsion, but promising eventually, rather than ruin the whole cause by Liberal strife, to vote for the repeal of the clause, should the bitter feeling continue. I can hardly think him right; but I daresay I am no judge of the duty of concession in the matter.
—F. came home late, and a good deal harassed. He has no wish to attempt to conciliate the Irreconcileables; but the best class of dissenters who are supporting him and earnest against splitting up the party, have sat upon him to make some concession, and he has written to Sir Titus Salt (a typical man of the sort) to re-state his determination against excluding religion from Board Schools, and his opinion that taking away the liberty of parents in the choice of schools will greatly hinder compulsion, but promising eventually, rather than ruin the whole cause by Liberal strife, to vote for the repeal of the clause, should the bitter feeling continue. I can hardly think him right; but I daresay I am no judge of the duty of concession in the matter.
27Jan1874, Mr. Forster's Election
BRADFORD, Tuesday, January 27th, 1874.
—We came to Bradford, F. having left London at 6, I at 12. Good staunch friends (albeit Independent), the Laws, put us up. The town is wild over Mr. Forster's election, and we shan't be much thought of till that's over. The miserable 25th clause of the Education Act is made the battle-ground by the frantic section of the Dissenters, as I prophesied, but I should fancy nowhere so vehemently, or with so little common sense, as here. Here, where the rates paid on behalf of children whose parents could not afford to pay fees have amounted in the whole year to the interesting sum of 30s.!! the Irreconcileables mean to oust Mr. Forster after his years of stout Liberal service; and they may very probably do it, by splitting the party.
—We came to Bradford, F. having left London at 6, I at 12. Good staunch friends (albeit Independent), the Laws, put us up. The town is wild over Mr. Forster's election, and we shan't be much thought of till that's over. The miserable 25th clause of the Education Act is made the battle-ground by the frantic section of the Dissenters, as I prophesied, but I should fancy nowhere so vehemently, or with so little common sense, as here. Here, where the rates paid on behalf of children whose parents could not afford to pay fees have amounted in the whole year to the interesting sum of 30s.!! the Irreconcileables mean to oust Mr. Forster after his years of stout Liberal service; and they may very probably do it, by splitting the party.
24Jan1874, The Duke of Edinburgh Marries
LONDON, Saturday, January 24th, 1874.
—By some mysterious process the Tory newspapers have the news, Uncle W.'s address and all! tho' it was only sent late last evening to the Times. The address is more a manifesto and mighty long, but excellent and forcible, with the grand plum of abolition of the Income Tax, on the strength of a great surplus of £5,000,000 and promised reduction of indirect taxation. General stir and bewilderment. F. is certain to have a sharp contest for the first time since he became an M.P., 8½ years ago; he plunged into his address....
Yesterday the Duke of Edinburgh married the Grand Duchess Marie Alexandrovna of Russia with all the gorgeous Eastern ceremonial, and the English Service besides; the Duke, by the account in the paper, received the Sacrament (at least the Cup) which I can hardly believe (No; it was not the Eucharist Cup, but a simple ceremony), as I know Mrs. Helbert was refused when in one of her phases she wished to communicate in the Greek Church, at St. Petersburg. The Dean of Westminster celebrated the English rite, and must have been in his glory. A magnificent Russian choir sang at both services.
—By some mysterious process the Tory newspapers have the news, Uncle W.'s address and all! tho' it was only sent late last evening to the Times. The address is more a manifesto and mighty long, but excellent and forcible, with the grand plum of abolition of the Income Tax, on the strength of a great surplus of £5,000,000 and promised reduction of indirect taxation. General stir and bewilderment. F. is certain to have a sharp contest for the first time since he became an M.P., 8½ years ago; he plunged into his address....
Yesterday the Duke of Edinburgh married the Grand Duchess Marie Alexandrovna of Russia with all the gorgeous Eastern ceremonial, and the English Service besides; the Duke, by the account in the paper, received the Sacrament (at least the Cup) which I can hardly believe (No; it was not the Eucharist Cup, but a simple ceremony), as I know Mrs. Helbert was refused when in one of her phases she wished to communicate in the Greek Church, at St. Petersburg. The Dean of Westminster celebrated the English rite, and must have been in his glory. A magnificent Russian choir sang at both services.
Friday, November 05, 2010
23Jan1874, Parliament to be Dissolved!
LONDON, Friday, January 23rd, 1874.
—An extraordinary thunderclap exploded this evening, after a long Cabinet Council: Parliament is to be dissolved at once! Various important elections during the recess have been going against Government, and the state of things ever since Dizzy refused to take office after the Irish University defeat has been very creaky and unsatisfactory ; Government greatly weakened. So what should Uncle William hatch as he coddled his cold but this spirited move! In bed he wrote a fine eloquent address to the Greenwich electors, which is to burst upon the astonished world to-morrow. F. told me on Wednesday that we were on the brink of a volcano, but not till just before dinner to-night did he tell me what was up. It was a complete dead secret and will take Liberals as much by surprise as Tories.
—An extraordinary thunderclap exploded this evening, after a long Cabinet Council: Parliament is to be dissolved at once! Various important elections during the recess have been going against Government, and the state of things ever since Dizzy refused to take office after the Irish University defeat has been very creaky and unsatisfactory ; Government greatly weakened. So what should Uncle William hatch as he coddled his cold but this spirited move! In bed he wrote a fine eloquent address to the Greenwich electors, which is to burst upon the astonished world to-morrow. F. told me on Wednesday that we were on the brink of a volcano, but not till just before dinner to-night did he tell me what was up. It was a complete dead secret and will take Liberals as much by surprise as Tories.
31Oct1873, Lay of the Last Minstrel
HOLKER, Friday, October 31st, 1873.
—William and Fritz actually love the "Lay of the Last Minstrel"!!! The illustrations first attracting them: they make me read bits of it, and can spout "Yes! I am come of high degree," "Nine and twenty knights of fame," etc. Cavsh. went late.
—William and Fritz actually love the "Lay of the Last Minstrel"!!! The illustrations first attracting them: they make me read bits of it, and can spout "Yes! I am come of high degree," "Nine and twenty knights of fame," etc. Cavsh. went late.
30Oct1873, Wild Wind and Rain
HOLKER, Thursday, October 30th, 1873.
—Except school (where we 3 are taking the religious teaching of the 1st class), no outing: wild wind and rain.
—Except school (where we 3 are taking the religious teaching of the 1st class), no outing: wild wind and rain.
16Oct1873, Teaching the Dear Boykins
HOLKER, Thursday, October 16th, 1873.
—Had a fine galloping ride on Republic, with F., on the sands. Grey mild day. Uncle Dick came. I do Bible and hymns, and reading, and am beginning a little adding and counting, with the dear three eldest boykins before breakfast. Only Victor reads.
—Had a fine galloping ride on Republic, with F., on the sands. Grey mild day. Uncle Dick came. I do Bible and hymns, and reading, and am beginning a little adding and counting, with the dear three eldest boykins before breakfast. Only Victor reads.
15Oct1873, Visiting in Raike
HOLKER, Wednesday, October 15th, 1873.
—Emma and the girls and I went to Raike to see Mesd. Abbotson and Kelly; Mr. Jodrell came.
—Emma and the girls and I went to Raike to see Mesd. Abbotson and Kelly; Mr. Jodrell came.
14Oct1873, A Bit of Spitting by Dizzy
HOLKER, Tuesday, October 14th, 1873.
—Very lovely with glorious views; walked with Emma up Byland Scarr, and to see Mesdames Telfer and Mackreth. The Howards came late; it is 4 years since they were here and must be very sad to poor At. Fanny. Another Govt. victory at Taunton; this little turn of the tide is perhaps to be attributed to an extraordinary bit of spitting on the part of Dizzy, who has written a letter (for publication) to Ld. Grey de Wilton savagely calling the Govt. names, and dubbing their whole career "plundering and blundering." This must disgust lukewarm Liberals.
—Very lovely with glorious views; walked with Emma up Byland Scarr, and to see Mesdames Telfer and Mackreth. The Howards came late; it is 4 years since they were here and must be very sad to poor At. Fanny. Another Govt. victory at Taunton; this little turn of the tide is perhaps to be attributed to an extraordinary bit of spitting on the part of Dizzy, who has written a letter (for publication) to Ld. Grey de Wilton savagely calling the Govt. names, and dubbing their whole career "plundering and blundering." This must disgust lukewarm Liberals.
10Oct1873, Catholics of Prussia
HOLKER, Friday, October 10th, 1873.
—The old Catholics of Prussia have now a Bishop duly consecrated and a constitution; also they have just been recognised by the State—a notable event which seems to give them a position such as the English Church acquired after the Reformation, only they have cleaner hands and, I suppose, if possible, a more urgent cause ; inasmuch as Papal aggression and the worst abuses of religion are less intolerable than Papal infallibility, and new falsehoods imposed as articles of Faith. God preserve them in His Truth, steadfast to the end!
Alas, Mrs. Helbert has gone over to Rome, dreaming, in the face of all these things, of unity and purity and peace there!
—The old Catholics of Prussia have now a Bishop duly consecrated and a constitution; also they have just been recognised by the State—a notable event which seems to give them a position such as the English Church acquired after the Reformation, only they have cleaner hands and, I suppose, if possible, a more urgent cause ; inasmuch as Papal aggression and the worst abuses of religion are less intolerable than Papal infallibility, and new falsehoods imposed as articles of Faith. God preserve them in His Truth, steadfast to the end!
Alas, Mrs. Helbert has gone over to Rome, dreaming, in the face of all these things, of unity and purity and peace there!
09Oct1873, Lauching the Duke of Buccleuch
HOLKER, Thursday, October 9th, 1873.
—Went with F. to Barrow for the launch of the Duke of Buccleuch, one of the new E. Indian "Ducal Line." I named her and made a splendid smash of the champagne bottle, to the joy of all beholders. Having never seen a launch before, I was delighted and rather throat-lumpy at the fine rush and plunge into the sea of the poor brave ship, little knowing what may be before her !
—Went with F. to Barrow for the launch of the Duke of Buccleuch, one of the new E. Indian "Ducal Line." I named her and made a splendid smash of the champagne bottle, to the joy of all beholders. Having never seen a launch before, I was delighted and rather throat-lumpy at the fine rush and plunge into the sea of the poor brave ship, little knowing what may be before her !
06Oct1873, Mrs. Polly's Horrible Ordeal
LONDON, Monday, October 6th, 1873.
—Eastward! Less work than in the summer. Cd not talk to my poor Mrs. Polly, as she was brought in all wretched and senseless with chloroform from one of her innumerable hideous operations and aftds fell asleep. She is a dear, tidy, nice-minded woman, wife of a respectable country gardener. It is a horrible ordeal for her.
—Eastward! Less work than in the summer. Cd not talk to my poor Mrs. Polly, as she was brought in all wretched and senseless with chloroform from one of her innumerable hideous operations and aftds fell asleep. She is a dear, tidy, nice-minded woman, wife of a respectable country gardener. It is a horrible ordeal for her.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
05Oct1873, Edward's Vision: An Eton Master
LONDON, October 5th, 1873. 17th Sunday after Trinity. —
Had the great pleasure of spending the day at Eton with darling old Edward and Alfred. Edwd. looking thin and Alfred hectic, from the exertion of playing football in the late great heat. Saw Spencer in S. George's, and walked with him round about Granny's beloved Windsor Castle and my beloved too. The very sight of its outside brings rushes of very romantic memories over me! Had luncheon at the White Hart with the boys and walked with them between services in the Park. Talked with Edwd. of his vision of being an Eton master [FN: Edward Lyttelton became a master, and ultimately Head Master of Eton.]; I wish it may come to pass. Second service in Eton Chapel—singing very nice to what it was. Such a nice day, pleasant to look back upon. Got home to dinner, and entertained Uncle W. and Willy; Uncle W. agog upon perversions; gave us a brilliant history of the rise and development of Confession in the Roman Church from the earliest period to the present time! which ought to have been "taken down."
Had the great pleasure of spending the day at Eton with darling old Edward and Alfred. Edwd. looking thin and Alfred hectic, from the exertion of playing football in the late great heat. Saw Spencer in S. George's, and walked with him round about Granny's beloved Windsor Castle and my beloved too. The very sight of its outside brings rushes of very romantic memories over me! Had luncheon at the White Hart with the boys and walked with them between services in the Park. Talked with Edwd. of his vision of being an Eton master [FN: Edward Lyttelton became a master, and ultimately Head Master of Eton.]; I wish it may come to pass. Second service in Eton Chapel—singing very nice to what it was. Such a nice day, pleasant to look back upon. Got home to dinner, and entertained Uncle W. and Willy; Uncle W. agog upon perversions; gave us a brilliant history of the rise and development of Confession in the Roman Church from the earliest period to the present time! which ought to have been "taken down."
30Sep1873, Irving in "Richelieu"
LONDON, Tuesday, September 30th, 1873.
—We went with Alfred Howard and Spencer to see "Richelieu" with Irving; he was excellent, tho' too like a swearing cat at times.
—We went with Alfred Howard and Spencer to see "Richelieu" with Irving; he was excellent, tho' too like a swearing cat at times.
24Sep1873, Letters of Sarah, Lady Lyttelton
CHATSWORTH, Wednesday, September 24th, 1873.
—The Dean has now pounced upon the book, and is in raptures over it; goes off about it to me on every opportunity. Wants us to present it to the Queen, who, he is sure, will greatly like it, in spite of one or two little things which may take her aback.
[FN: Dean Wellesley, of Windsor. The book was the privately printed Letters of her grandmother Sarah, Lady Lyttelton.]
—The Dean has now pounced upon the book, and is in raptures over it; goes off about it to me on every opportunity. Wants us to present it to the Queen, who, he is sure, will greatly like it, in spite of one or two little things which may take her aback.
[FN: Dean Wellesley, of Windsor. The book was the privately printed Letters of her grandmother Sarah, Lady Lyttelton.]
19Sep1873, Sweet Converse With Tallee
Saturday, October 23, 2010
01Sep1873, A Monster Expedition to Wrekin
HAGLEY, Monday, September 1st, 1873.
—Papa headed a monster expedition to the top of the Wrekin. It consisted of himself and Sybella, his 8 sons, 3 of his daughters, 2 sons-in-law, a grandson, 3 cousins (Pole Carews), a niece (G. G.) [FN: Gertrude Glynne, afterwards Lady Penrhyn], and Mr. Balfour. At Wellington Station (odd coincidence) we met Aggie [FN: Agnes Gladstone, engaged to Rev. E. Wickham, Head Master of Wellington, afterwards Dean of Lincoln.] and Mr. Wickham, chaperoned by Mazy, Harry, and Herbert. Poor Mr. W. must have looked on bedazed as the 21 came bubbling endlessly one after another out of the saloon carriage. We all set off up the hill, and I had the very appalling honour of walking tête-a-tête with Mr. W. for a good bit! At the top we perched all over the crags and revelled in the glorious, widespread, many-tinted view, while the dear posse of big brothers set up various part-songs, and the hero and heroine sat happily together.
—Papa headed a monster expedition to the top of the Wrekin. It consisted of himself and Sybella, his 8 sons, 3 of his daughters, 2 sons-in-law, a grandson, 3 cousins (Pole Carews), a niece (G. G.) [FN: Gertrude Glynne, afterwards Lady Penrhyn], and Mr. Balfour. At Wellington Station (odd coincidence) we met Aggie [FN: Agnes Gladstone, engaged to Rev. E. Wickham, Head Master of Wellington, afterwards Dean of Lincoln.] and Mr. Wickham, chaperoned by Mazy, Harry, and Herbert. Poor Mr. W. must have looked on bedazed as the 21 came bubbling endlessly one after another out of the saloon carriage. We all set off up the hill, and I had the very appalling honour of walking tête-a-tête with Mr. W. for a good bit! At the top we perched all over the crags and revelled in the glorious, widespread, many-tinted view, while the dear posse of big brothers set up various part-songs, and the hero and heroine sat happily together.
24Aug1873, Remembering Mamma
BOLTON, St. Bartholomew, 11th Sunday after Trinity, 1873.
—The usual dear Bolton Sunday, with an additional sacredness. It is the 1st S. Bartholomew's Day since that Funeral Day in '57 that I have been able to receive the Holy Communion. How well I remember the intense comfort of it when one's heart was all wrung and aching! And how I wrote of it: "It is like Holy Hands blessing and soothing one: Peace, be still." God grant it may always be so to me, in joy and sorrow, to the end.
—The usual dear Bolton Sunday, with an additional sacredness. It is the 1st S. Bartholomew's Day since that Funeral Day in '57 that I have been able to receive the Holy Communion. How well I remember the intense comfort of it when one's heart was all wrung and aching! And how I wrote of it: "It is like Holy Hands blessing and soothing one: Peace, be still." God grant it may always be so to me, in joy and sorrow, to the end.
08Aug1873, I Shall Have Him With Me
LONDON, Friday, August 8th, 1873.
—My Fred back from Holker at 6 a.m. this morning. If he takes the office, he vacates his seat; it was therefore to be kept back for a time, to get Registration matters, etc., forward, and to consult influential constituents. But by some unaccountable blundering the cat came out of the bag in the paper this morning, and he is in for it. It will be a horrid business if he has a contest, Greenwich and East Staffordshire having just been won by the Tories owing to the split caused by the precious League. But we hope better of the stout old Riding, and, if it only shows a firm front, the Tories won't be mad enough to contest it. Poor F., however, has to post off again at 3 to Bradford.
I saw Uncle W. at his window when we got home; he called me in and was delightful about F., calling him "such a compound of gallantry and good sense" and saying "I shall have him with me" with great pleasure and affection.
—My Fred back from Holker at 6 a.m. this morning. If he takes the office, he vacates his seat; it was therefore to be kept back for a time, to get Registration matters, etc., forward, and to consult influential constituents. But by some unaccountable blundering the cat came out of the bag in the paper this morning, and he is in for it. It will be a horrid business if he has a contest, Greenwich and East Staffordshire having just been won by the Tories owing to the split caused by the precious League. But we hope better of the stout old Riding, and, if it only shows a firm front, the Tories won't be mad enough to contest it. Poor F., however, has to post off again at 3 to Bradford.
I saw Uncle W. at his window when we got home; he called me in and was delightful about F., calling him "such a compound of gallantry and good sense" and saying "I shall have him with me" with great pleasure and affection.
06Aug1873, Government Positions
LONDON, Wednesday, August 6th, 1873.
—A notable day, F. being offered a Lordship of the Treasury and thus entering upon official life. Uncle W. takes the Chancellorship of the Exchequer on himself, and F. will be an extra Lord, owing to the double work this will give Uncle W. Mr. Lowe is bowed off the Exchequer of which he has made a grand muddle, and becomes Home Secretary, Mr. Bruce getting a peerage and Presidency of the Council. F., of course, can't accept without asking the Duke, so went off to Holker this evening. Atie. P. and I to The Coppice.
—A notable day, F. being offered a Lordship of the Treasury and thus entering upon official life. Uncle W. takes the Chancellorship of the Exchequer on himself, and F. will be an extra Lord, owing to the double work this will give Uncle W. Mr. Lowe is bowed off the Exchequer of which he has made a grand muddle, and becomes Home Secretary, Mr. Bruce getting a peerage and Presidency of the Council. F., of course, can't accept without asking the Duke, so went off to Holker this evening. Atie. P. and I to The Coppice.
Saturday, October 09, 2010
05Aug1873, Thickening of Ministerial Plot
LONDON, Tuesday, August 5th, 1873.
—Thickening of Ministerial plot. Thank goodness F. was able de refuser l'offre d'être "fouet" en place de G. G. G. [FM: George Grenfell Glyn, the then Whip ; afterwards 2nd Baron Wolverton.], chose qui lui serait insupportable et pour moi un supplice. Uncle W. le lui offrit d'une fawn tres aimable et ne voulut point insister, surtout en comprenant que le duc s'y opposait fort. Je ne crois pas que F. s'en tirerait bien : it n'est pas assez rapide et il est trop scrupuleux-peut-être aussi trop enthousiaste.... The interesting event took place of Mr. Bright and Uncle W. dining with us (a dead secret!) ; said Mr. B. having consented to take office. He was very pleasant and downright ; during a few minutes that I had him alone said he would never have done it for anyone but Uncle W.; spoke of him in the warmest way; said of himself that he felt quite well now, but was apt to flag, and get discouraged over work. I happened to say during dinner that I had no Scotch blood. "Nor have I," said he; "I wish I had; then perhaps I should have been a less lazy man." They talked composedly of the price of cotton, the Shortening of Hours Bill for women (of which Mr. B. disapproves), and such subjects, most of dinner time.
—Thickening of Ministerial plot. Thank goodness F. was able de refuser l'offre d'être "fouet" en place de G. G. G. [FM: George Grenfell Glyn, the then Whip ; afterwards 2nd Baron Wolverton.], chose qui lui serait insupportable et pour moi un supplice. Uncle W. le lui offrit d'une fawn tres aimable et ne voulut point insister, surtout en comprenant que le duc s'y opposait fort. Je ne crois pas que F. s'en tirerait bien : it n'est pas assez rapide et il est trop scrupuleux-peut-être aussi trop enthousiaste.... The interesting event took place of Mr. Bright and Uncle W. dining with us (a dead secret!) ; said Mr. B. having consented to take office. He was very pleasant and downright ; during a few minutes that I had him alone said he would never have done it for anyone but Uncle W.; spoke of him in the warmest way; said of himself that he felt quite well now, but was apt to flag, and get discouraged over work. I happened to say during dinner that I had no Scotch blood. "Nor have I," said he; "I wish I had; then perhaps I should have been a less lazy man." They talked composedly of the price of cotton, the Shortening of Hours Bill for women (of which Mr. B. disapproves), and such subjects, most of dinner time.
04Aug1873, Unpleasantnesses
LONDON, Monday, August 4th, 1873.
—Eastward, I hope for the last time, but there are unpleasantnesses in les hauts quartiers qui retiennent notre chef en ville, et nous par consequent. Il doit y avoir plusieurs échanges de role.[FN: Rearrangement of the Cabinet took place at this time.]
—Eastward, I hope for the last time, but there are unpleasantnesses in les hauts quartiers qui retiennent notre chef en ville, et nous par consequent. Il doit y avoir plusieurs échanges de role.[FN: Rearrangement of the Cabinet took place at this time.]
30Jul1873, Jubilee Singers
LONDON, Wednesday, July 30th, 1873.
—We went yesty to breakfast at No. 11, along with the "Jubilee Singers"— emancipated slaves, every one of them from the Southern States. They sang quite gloriously. Never shall I forget the enthusiasm and inspiration of their poor ugly faces in "John Brown," especially at the line "All mankind is free." Trumpet-like tones and wonderful softness, too, in their voices. One hymn was most beautiful—"Can I forget thee?" Little Sarah was brought in and listened entranced, instead of screaming at the black faces as was to be expected.
—We went yesty to breakfast at No. 11, along with the "Jubilee Singers"— emancipated slaves, every one of them from the Southern States. They sang quite gloriously. Never shall I forget the enthusiasm and inspiration of their poor ugly faces in "John Brown," especially at the line "All mankind is free." Trumpet-like tones and wonderful softness, too, in their voices. One hymn was most beautiful—"Can I forget thee?" Little Sarah was brought in and listened entranced, instead of screaming at the black faces as was to be expected.
21Jul1873, Bp. of Winchester Dies From Fall
FALCONHURST, Monday, July 21st, 1873.
—A letter from Atie P. at Holmbury came to me this morning with the appalling news of the death of the Bp. of Winchester. He travelled with Ld. Granville to Leatherhead, where they were met by horses that they might ride the rest of the way to Holmbury. The Bishop immensely pleased with the beautiful weather and scenery and with the horse Ld. G. mounted him on. They were cantering down a grassy slope not far from Abinger Hall, when the Bishop's horse stumbled at a grip, and came down on his knees (or all but). The Bishop was thrown over its head and, falling heavily on his head and turning right over, dislocated his neck and was killed on the spot. It is certain he cd have had no moment's pain or even consciousness of danger, but went in one instant from his enjoyment of earth to the Presence of God. It is an unutterable loss.
We came home. Went E. with poor Atie. P., who is dreadfully taken out of: they were at Holmbury to meet the Bishop, and were just expecting his arrival when the groom brought word of a "bad accident," but they all tried to hope the best, until poor Ld. Granville arrived at 10, looking ghastly, with the fatal news. About a week ago we rode with the Bp. in Rotten Row ; he was in all his usual health and vigour and high spirits, and, when we got upon Church matters, said much that was interesting and that I shan't forget.
—A letter from Atie P. at Holmbury came to me this morning with the appalling news of the death of the Bp. of Winchester. He travelled with Ld. Granville to Leatherhead, where they were met by horses that they might ride the rest of the way to Holmbury. The Bishop immensely pleased with the beautiful weather and scenery and with the horse Ld. G. mounted him on. They were cantering down a grassy slope not far from Abinger Hall, when the Bishop's horse stumbled at a grip, and came down on his knees (or all but). The Bishop was thrown over its head and, falling heavily on his head and turning right over, dislocated his neck and was killed on the spot. It is certain he cd have had no moment's pain or even consciousness of danger, but went in one instant from his enjoyment of earth to the Presence of God. It is an unutterable loss.
We came home. Went E. with poor Atie. P., who is dreadfully taken out of: they were at Holmbury to meet the Bishop, and were just expecting his arrival when the groom brought word of a "bad accident," but they all tried to hope the best, until poor Ld. Granville arrived at 10, looking ghastly, with the fatal news. About a week ago we rode with the Bp. in Rotten Row ; he was in all his usual health and vigour and high spirits, and, when we got upon Church matters, said much that was interesting and that I shan't forget.
18Jul1873, Scott-Siddons and Mrs. Siddons
LONDON, Friday, July 18th, 1873.
—Had a delightful Scott-Siddons reading for a charity at Grosvenor H.; made her acquaintance aftds at tea with Constance : we reminded her of Granny's interview with her after a reading abt the year '67, when Granny told her of her likeness to her great-grandmother Mrs. Siddons. She remembered it well, and was so delighted to be told who Granny was; said it chanced to be the 1st time she had been told of the likeness. We made her pose under the famous Sir Joshua of the Tragic Muse, and the likeness was most striking, only this little person is very dark. She is exceedingly handsome—almost beautiful.
—Had a delightful Scott-Siddons reading for a charity at Grosvenor H.; made her acquaintance aftds at tea with Constance : we reminded her of Granny's interview with her after a reading abt the year '67, when Granny told her of her likeness to her great-grandmother Mrs. Siddons. She remembered it well, and was so delighted to be told who Granny was; said it chanced to be the 1st time she had been told of the likeness. We made her pose under the famous Sir Joshua of the Tragic Muse, and the likeness was most striking, only this little person is very dark. She is exceedingly handsome—almost beautiful.
16Jul1873, "Marie Antoinette" by Ristori
LONDON, Wednesday, July 16th, 1873.
—F. and I, May and Atie. P, went to see "Marie Antoinette" done by Ristori at Drury Lane. It was grand tragic acting—the only thing of the sort I have ever seen (except the same actress in "Medea" when I was fifteen, of which I have only a confused recollection). The awful truth and recentness of the events made it almost intolerably painful and pathetic to a degree that set many off crying, me to a frightful extent! A tiny girl who cdnt have been more than 8 played the poor little Dauphin's part wonderfully and the King was well done too. But oh, the Queen!—especially when she asks the King's forgiveness, when she cows Simon and aftds appeals to him before he carries off the child, and at the end when she goes to execution, and with her hands tied behind her, is sublime. The horror and pity of the whole thing was to me intensified by realising what the sufferings of the miserable mob must have been, and of their ancestors for generations, brought before one in the play by the clamour and shouts for bread coming from a distance nearer and nearer—and all the vengeance falling, as so often, on the guiltless heads. But they were happier in death than their predecessors had been in the pride of life.
—F. and I, May and Atie. P, went to see "Marie Antoinette" done by Ristori at Drury Lane. It was grand tragic acting—the only thing of the sort I have ever seen (except the same actress in "Medea" when I was fifteen, of which I have only a confused recollection). The awful truth and recentness of the events made it almost intolerably painful and pathetic to a degree that set many off crying, me to a frightful extent! A tiny girl who cdnt have been more than 8 played the poor little Dauphin's part wonderfully and the King was well done too. But oh, the Queen!—especially when she asks the King's forgiveness, when she cows Simon and aftds appeals to him before he carries off the child, and at the end when she goes to execution, and with her hands tied behind her, is sublime. The horror and pity of the whole thing was to me intensified by realising what the sufferings of the miserable mob must have been, and of their ancestors for generations, brought before one in the play by the clamour and shouts for bread coming from a distance nearer and nearer—and all the vengeance falling, as so often, on the guiltless heads. But they were happier in death than their predecessors had been in the pride of life.
14Jun1873, Larking to the Opera
LONDON, Monday, July 14th, 1873.
—Dined en garcon in Gt. George St., and went larking aftds with old "Henry Barker" to the Opera. "Don Giovanni" with Patti, most delightful.
—Dined en garcon in Gt. George St., and went larking aftds with old "Henry Barker" to the Opera. "Don Giovanni" with Patti, most delightful.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)