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18 December 1899 — Ca’ Capello, Venice | |
Monday. 18th [December 1899]. I went off to sit to Ellen at 10 A.M. in gondola & walked back. Fannie Browning came to lunch with me—told me she accepts my offer of this house after Christmas & that she has dismissed her two gondoliers for gross impertinence. I am delighted as they are horrid looking very disreputable looking men– Directly after lunch I went to see for Mrs Eden & take her out & left Fannie at the Rezzonico. Carry Eden had gone out as I was late for my appointment so I went to do a little shopping & back to Rezzonico where I went to Fannie’s room on 2nd floor & she showed me the letter she had written her husband saying she had dismissed the gondoliers, was coming to Asolo for Christmas & then returning to this house for 2 or 3 months. I read the letter & then went on to see Ersilia Canevaro & found her in tears over her husband’s ill health—tho’ he is better again after 2 relapses. He has been ill since 20th October. Css Sormani Moretti was with her & Maria Cozzi & a brother. They spoke at once of the war– I begged them not as I am too ashamed for England– They talked of the joy of the whole German nation—who envy our prosperity—they consoled with me for having relations at the War & I could not help saying—it is not a question of ones family but of one’s country. I am glad Henry is saved the disgrace of it all– He would have felt it too keenly. I dined alone & had my usual reception in the evening—as it was my last this winter a good many people came– The evening papers gave us a ray of hope by the telegrams saying Lord Roberts is to assume the command in chief at the Transvaal. It is a sort of desperate last chance. Lord Kitchener & Genl MacDonell are also going. I was glad to go to bed & try & forget it but did not get much sleep. | |
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