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23 February 1881 — Rome | |
Wednesday. 23rd February [1881]. I went off alone to the Villa Campana and came back for luncheon. It was a lovely day & Henry & I went out together & took a cab & drove out of the Porta Pia to the Church of Sta Agnese to see the Basilica & its lovely mosaics. We went into the Baptistry where Emp. Constantine’s daughter remains were fd in that splendid porphory sarcophagus now in the Vatican. The vaulted mosaic ceilings are most interesting. We drove back quietly to the hotel & then went to Lady Bowen’s balcony for a little while. We dined at home & had to dress directly after dinner. Mrs Bagot came to see us after 6 so we persuaded her to stay & dine with us wh she did & was most amusing & talked incessantly. She assisted at my toilette & I left her when we went off a few minutes after 10. We found we were very early & had nearly an hour to wait before the Queen & King appeared. There were not so many people as at the last ball but still it was very hot. After a few dances the Queen moved abt & sat talking to different ladies. I was sitting with Lady Bagot when suddenly we found the Queen sitting on our bench at wh we at once made off & stood by. H.M. made me a sign to return & sit by her and as soon as I sat down she showed me her pearls & gave me to understand she had put them on for me to see. She had on lovely diamonds & emeralds & ropes of pearls! Later on I went round to speak to Mme Minghetti and the Pagets came across to where we were– Suddenly Lady P. rushed to Henry & said “will you take me to tea”—so off they 2 marched– A few minutes after Sir Aug: offered me tea & marched me off. I was astonished at the civility & gladly accepted. On our return I offered to pilot Lady Bagot over to the other side to Mme Cairoli & Mme Minghetti & then Sir G. Bowen carried me off to see the rooms near the supper room. We found an army of officers & gentlemen sitting anxiously waiting for the suppers to open & then we returned & saw the K & Q retire after wh Henry & I quickly departed. | |
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