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11 December 1900 — Ca’ Capello, Venice | |
Tuesday. 11th [December 1900]. As soon as I could I went to Gertie’s room & we had a terrible explanation– At first she would have denied it but seeing it was useless she confessed that it was the effect of drugs & we both cryed– I was very very sorry for her– We were girl friends together—& she truly said I did not know what it was not only to have lost a good husband but to be poor to have fallen from £8000 a year & to be thoroughly miserable– She does not care for her children—& said I would gladly have seen them all lying dead of a row if I could have had my husband back for one month. She was truly devoted to him & I fear he was not worthy of it—& that he led her into these ways—& led her into extravagance & taught her to gamble &c &c She has a good heart but has wrecked her own life– She took very well the many hard things I said to her & promised well—but one knows that in such a case the will is gone—& there is no hope. Mr Montalba came at 10.30 to fetch her to go & see some pictures. I accompanied them as far as S. Vio as I wanted to go into our church to meet Mr Christie– He was not there so I went to Fanny Brownings & met him there & went on to the church & tried over the hymns & chants for next Sunday morning service, having decided to play the organ. I can only play the harmonium—so it will be a lame affair—only a little better than no music at all– Home to lunch. Afternoon went out with Gertie in gondola to Eden’s garden & walked there. Met Mr Eden there—picked some monthly roses. He says we have not had a real frost yet! Visit from the Bompard at tea time. Baroness Reinelt & Maria Cozzi dined with us & left very early after which Gertie & I played patience & then went early to bed. | |
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