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4 May 1886 — 1 Queen Anne Street | |
Tuesday. 4th May [1886]. I walked out with Henry to choose a paper for the walls of our bedroom wh is to be done fresh before we return next year—then on to Almonds to see if Felicia wd go with me to see the procession of the Queen going to open the Colonial & Indian (Colindes) Exhibition. She was out so took a cab intending to drive to the Albert Mansions & to ask Mrs Proctor to let me see it from her windows. The cab was not allowed beyond Albert Gate so from there I walked. At Prince’s Gate I found I could not cross the road & just as I got there the cortege arrived. It was not very imposing as they came at a foot’s pace—but I saw it so well I gave up going on to Mrs Proctor & instead I went to Lady Bagot in Prince’s Gardens. The servant told me she was out & I met her not far from her door & went back with her & sat & rested & talked with her for an hour. When I rose to go she said she would walk part of the way with me. We found the park lined with people waiting to see & we also stopped. We stood near 2 working men father & son who were in the greatest excitement abt seeing the Queen. I talked to them & they were very nice. The old man said “I’ll be bound she’s thinking all the time of the Exhibition of 51 when she had her husband along with her!” When the cortege passed at a trot wh looked more imposing than the slow pace the cheering was great & then we all started home– Lady Bagot went back, I went on & getting out at Albert Gate I got a hansom– But there was such a crowd at Hyde Pk corner I had to dismiss the cab & walk as far as Clarges St when I got another hansom & so got home rather late for luncheon. At 4 Henry & I drove out going first to find Felicia at her dentists in Harley St but in vain, then to the hotel—ditto. Tho the sun had been hot all day it turned cold at 5 so we were glad to come home. We dined with Mme Reyntiens at her new house in Ovington Sqr 23. Met Mr Percy Ffrench, Miss Duff Gordon, Mr Post. There was some singing after dinner but we had to leave early as we were invited to go to Burlington House by the P. of Wales at 10.30. We got there punctually but found nearly all the Royalties already there the P. & Pss of Wales, The Crown Pss of Germany, the Dukes of Connaught & Cambridge, Grand D. & Dss of Oldenburg, Ct Hatzfeldt & his cousins P. & Pss Hatzfeldt. Besides the parties in waiting there was only ourselves & the D & Dss of Manchester, Sir F. Leighton, Calderon & another R.A. We had plenty of time to examine all the pictures. The Crown Pss was very kind & pleased to see us & we had been asked by her desire. The P. of Wales & D. of Cambridge both spoke to Henry about the terrible state of politics & the dreadful effect of Gladstone’s manifesto in wh he says that all the intelligence of the country is against his Home Rule Bill therefore it is only a class opposition. This is the sort of thing that will lead to a Revolution like the French one & is a disgraceful thing. The Pss of Wales got into a wheel chair & the president (Leighton) wheeled her round & showed her the pictures. They were all much struck with picture of Cromwell & his army singing 117 Psalm before the battle—a very clever picture. Refreshments were served in the sculpture room & we departed to our homes about 12.30. | |
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