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2 February 1901 — Ca’ Capello, Venice | |
Saturday. 2nd [February 1901]. It thawed last night & every trace of snow gone but there were gusts of wind & heavy squalls of rain in the morning just as I was starting for church to attend the commemorative service for our beloved Queen. The church was draped & hung with black velvet having deep silver gauze borders. A large white cross hung on the wall high over the communion table. It was made of white flowers. Large metal candlesticks in the chancel held long unlighted candles. 6 municipal guards (policemen) dressed like our London police in dark tunics & helmets, sent by the municipality as a guard of honor stood motionless on the chancel. The Prefet & his English wife, the Sindaco, the judges & other Italian authorities & all the consuls in uniform were there– All the English & English speaking persons in Venice were there. Mr Banbury who did the duty for Mr Christie who is absent on a holiday read the service. The hymns were well sung—Mme Wiel played the organ. The service lasted ½ hour. Messrs Montalba & Browning (church wardens) were active arranging things & placing people– The sun came out soon after & we had a last glimpse of “Queen’s weather”—but one felt sadly dejected & a sense of emptiness came over one to think our Queen has now passed out of our daily lives. It feels so blank. | |
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