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16 January 1879 — Constantinople | |
Thursday. 16th [January 1879]. After breakfast May & I set to work to arrange the drawing room for the ceremony of the investiture of Safvet P. with the Star of India. At 12.30 H.H. arrived quite alone. We had Henry & all the Embassy in uniform—& a few ladies such as Mme Marinitch, Washington, Hanson, d’Ehrenhoffs. When the ceremony began Mr Smijth read the Queens warrant—then Henry read a speech in French & Safvet answered so low that no one cd hear. Henry then put on the star & ribbon to wh was attached a lovely diamond cross. Then taking over the ribbon he put on him the enameled chain. He was then congratulated & signed the receipt for it. He lunched with us afterwards—& amused us by getting up & leaving the room as soon as he had had eno!!! Played tennis. In the evening we gave a great dinner to the Ministers. I sat between Hayreddin and Caratheodory Pashas. We sat down 21 in number. After dinner all went to smoke except Savas who said he was not able to smoke on acct of his headaches– I sympathised at wh he asked me some curious questions & seeing I seemed flustered added “Je vous demande parceque je suis medecin”—wh was no excuse to my mind. When the gentlemen returned from the smoking room & Hayreddin came & sat by me Sir Alfred Sandison came & said to him “will you speak to Savas P. abt our affairs”—on enquiry Sir A. said that there were many things wh Savas might settle for England & wh lagged. At wh Hayreddin begged Savas in severest tones to do him the favor to settle them at once– Savas cringed & spoke of want of time but said in 2 days he wd do it “Je vous donne quatre” said Hayreddin but please to do it in that time—& croyez moi vous ne pauvez mieux servir votre patrie qu’en puissant tous ces affaires la”! Savas got up & slunk away like a dog with his tail between his legs. | |
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