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13 November 1889 — Ca’ Capello, Venice | |
Wednesday. 13th [November 1889]. Splendid weather. Painted Eda’s portrait with Desideri till 12. Copied for Henry. Lunch at 1. The girls went to the Lido. Henry & I out in gondola to the Edens’ garden & got some roses. There are still quantities owing to the mild season but the chrysanthemums are nearly over from the long wet. Went to the Hohenzollern to inscribe our name on the Empress. Took a turn on the Piazzetta to see the arcades of the Ducal Palace wh are at last uncovered from the restorers hands. On getting home found the Adl & Mme Noce at the door & begged them to come in wh they did. After tea read aloud to Henry & finished “Un homme d’Autrefois”. Altho very interesting found it rather long & sentimental but it makes one hate the French for having annexed Savoy. Dined at 7 & Sir Fred Burton & I went off to Mrs Montalba’s to see the illuminations for the Empress. Met there the Brownings, Montenegros, Mrs Bronson &c. Henry took the girls in an open gondola which was after all the best way to see it. Came home at 10 & waited till 11 to see the Empress go past to the station to leave. We had given it up & just gone to bed when she went by in a steam launch—& there were a few bengal lights burned. It was cold & beautiful moonlight. At the Montalba’s I met a Miss Leigh Smith whom I had met once before & I went up to her & claimed acquaintance on the strength of our having exchanged cards. At this she put on a severe air & said “Well Lady L. I will be frank with you, let us come & sit on the sofa & I will be frank with you” as she motioned me to sit down by her side. I felt like a naughty child who was going to be seriously spoken to by a governess. She proceeded to unroll to me her annoyance with me for not having returned a card she had left on me many years ago & which I assured her I had returned—at this she called her friend & companion a Miss Blythe & introduced her saying “Mary its a mistake. Lady L did call on me” & the jolly faced Miss B answered “Did she I am glad” & peace was satisfied & we parted– | |
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