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5 March 1870 — Madrid | |
Saturday. 5th [March 1870]. Henry’s birthday. Writing &c in morning & also after luncheon early, we went off to the Cortes hoping to hear Castelar the Republican speak. We got there at ½ past 2 but found we were much too early as the Deputies did not come in till just 3 when the Vice president marched & took up his place preceded by 2 men in red velvet & gold embroidered coats & with silver maces in their hands. The Govt also dropped in one by 1. Prim—Sagasta—Topete, Rivero & Figuerola. I could not understand very well what was said but noticed that order was very badly kept & members were allowed to speak & answer 3 or 4 times. Sagasta made some remarks but got very violent & voluble; also we heard Rivero who speaks with a little more deliberation. Unfortunately we went away at ½ past 4 being rather tired & being told that Castelar had put off speaking until next Saturday & we hear that Prim made a long speech & put some of [the] members into a dreadful state by calling Montpensier “Don José de Bourbon.” We got home to 5 o’cl: tea & the Ayltons came, also Mr Ffrench & later the Hunts & we had a practise at duets & a singing lesson. I dressed for dinner & Mr Ffrench dined with us. At 9 we went to the Dss of Medinacalie’s to see her private theatricals. We were received by the Duke as the Dss was going to act. We waited for abt an hour in an anteroom & then M. Bedmar found me a place & sat in the row behind– Lady Ely & Mme Nava de Tajo sat next me– Three plays were done– The 1st “Come el pez en el agua”– The 2nd “El loco de Guardilla” & the last “La Castañeras picadas”– The worst was that there was such a deal of waiting between the pieces & they had to wait till Tamberlick came from the Opera where he was singing the Trovatore before they could begin the last as he had to sing an air behind the stage in a dance which was admirably done & the Dss as one of the Castañeras danced with great grace & looked very handsome & wore a lovely Spanish costume. It was all over at ½ past 1 & then we got introduced to the Dss & did not stay for supper but went home. | |
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