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2 May 1899 — 3 Savile Row | |
Tuesday. 2nd May [1899]. I have had a most agitating day & my servants turned out worse than I expected. The first thing this morning what happened is that the kitchen maid gave me notice to quit in an insolent manner. Then when Byford gave me his account book I find to my horror that he had charged me about 80 fcs too much for the luggage home. I had got the official railway acct by post. I at once rang the bell & asked Byford for an explanation– He began by trying to carry it off but when he saw that there was no denying it, he broke down, implored my pardon & threw himself on my mercy. He confessed that he had got into bad company—& said that he had spent the money in enjoying himself with the 2 kitchen people at Bâle. I told him he is going fast down hill & I cd not give him a character—& he was a ruined man. I said I would write to Monty Alderson who recommended him to me & we would see what should be done, that he merited that I should hand him over to the police. He was in an abject fright and stood by my side weeping. He is a miserable weak fool & the cook is evidently also dishonest. When Byford left me after a good lecture, I sent for the cook & warned her to be careful as to her behaviour lest I should refuse to give her a character. At 12 Lady Vivian called for me & asked me to go with her to see a house in Montague Sqr which is offered for sale. I did not recommend her to buy it. Directly after lunch I went out walking. Called on Lady Humphrey & finding my sister Connie was with her I said I wd return at 4.30 & walked on to call on Mrs Rate. She was out & I walked on but was called back & found my sister Blanche in her carriage so I got in with her & drove with her & Irène. Finally she dropped me at 23 Bruton St to keep my appointment with Molly Humphreys. I found her alone. I told her I had come purposely to beg her to tell her husband that I was horrified to find that 40 Half Moon St lease is thrown on Sir Wm’s hands he having leased it to my brother Arthur & all Arthur’s affairs having been thrown into chancery. I said I would be personally responsible for the money to Sir Wm if he would kindly wait until Rhuvon’s law suit was over—& if the executors (of whom Rhuvon is one) will not repay him I will do so. We then went on to speak of Nellie’s marriage prospects. Her engagement to Mr Wyld is still unannounced. I promised to speak to Nellie & try & settle something. Came home to tea. Mr Glyn came to tea. Nellie returned– Dined alone & early to bed—much worn & worried. A woman alone in the world is indeed a broken reed. | |
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