 | Lady Layard’s Journal Go to a Date Search the Journal |
|
Previous Entry
|
Following Entry
| |
11 May 1878 — Therapia | |
Saturday. 11th [May 1878]. Settled abt hanging pictures in drawing rooms. The messenger arrived just before Henry, the Genl & I set off to go to Bebek in the Helicon steam launch to lunch with Mohsin Khan the Persian Minister (now to be raised to Ambassador). We got there abt 11.30. Met there Risa Bey & the Persian Consul at Smyrna & a Persian [illegible word] gentleman whom Mohsin said was Sir Arnold Kemball’s colleague abt the Persian boundaries. We waited some time till we were summoned to breakfast. We had a Persian meal consisting of chelow & polow &c besides one or 2 European dishes. We finished up with water melon & then went to the drawing room to coffee. After a time Mohsin took me to the Harem to see his wife & little girl. During the visit he kept repeating to me “mais ma femme devient colossal!” The child is abt 3 years old very sharp & rather pretty. After my visit we took a walk to the top of the garden which is lovely but a tremendous ascent; at the top we came to a kiosque on a terrace where we sat & had tea & the gentlemen nargilehs & [illegible word]. The property was that of Ali P. & is a magnificent one. Mohsin Khan is in hopes that the Shah will buy it for the Embassy. On leaving him we went to call of Ahmet Vefyk whom we found better but still up stairs. I went into the Harem but only saw his wife & eldest daughter the rest being all ill. We had to leave him & get home as quick as we could. Henry had only just time on his return to get dressed and to go off to dine with the Sultan at Yildiz Kiosque taking with him Mr Jocelyn, Genl Dickson, Mr Baring & Sandison. I had tea in my room & read all the eveng. Henry returned after 12 o’cl: This dinner was an official one given to Henry at wh all the Ministers, Mehmet Ali Osman Baker Pasha &c were present. | |
|
Previous Entry
|
Following Entry
| |