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31 December 1901 — Ca’ Capello, Venice | |
Tuesday. 31st [December 1901]. I received from Baroness Reinelt a lovely pearl & diamond brooch as an Etrenne so after lunch I went to see her & to thank her– I found her alone but still kept to her room by her ailing toe. She begged me not to mention that she had given me a present as she found that it caused so much talk here—& I said I would not do so. Emilia & I went from the Hotel Victoria to the Piazzetta, landed & went for a walk all along the Riva to the Arsenal. It was a gloriously sunny day & Venice looked more like an opal than ever. We returned to town & I went to find a present for Mr Woods—& finally decided on an old metal platter & sent it to him. Mr Williamson came to tea—& had a long chat– The Rubinis came also & Mr Guggenheim to wish me a Happy New Year. We dined at 7.30– The Belmondos, Mrs Eden, the Rubinis, Montalbas & Hultons, Ct Wenckheim & Trombini & his nephew came. We played snap dragon & separated early—just seeing in the New Year a few of us. I went to bed—but not to sleep. After reading an hour I rose & went about the house having a suspicion things were not going on right. I was in the dark in the anteroom, when I came suddenly upon my maid Baker in her dressing gown– What are you doing here, I said, where do you come from– Where is every one—“they are downstairs” was her answer– I went thro’ the kitchen down the back stairs & the noise of voices led me to Austin’s bedroom. I opened the door & found Jane, Austin, a man Mr Newman & Kitty N. Wine bottles, food & tobacco smoke! I was in a long grey dressing gown. “Go to bed” I said severely & turned on my heels. Tableaux—Jane bounded up to the kitchen—Austin showed down the company. I ordered Jane straight to bed– She tried to explain that the Newmans had come to wish them happy new year. I took no notice. But when Austin reappeared I reproached him bitterly– Pasquale appeared with the door key & went down to lock the door wh key I then carried off with me & retired to bed—but not to sleep. I am too raked up– After ½ hour I went all over the house to see all is safe—found I had left a light in the kitchen– Went up to the maid’s rooms to see if all was right there. Found Jane in Baker’s room talking– Ordered her to bed– Returned to mine. Got work—books & pen & now it has just struck 4 A.M. & this is how I am beginning a Happy Year. Emilia went to bed directly after dinner being too sad to remain down this evening. Poor thing. Life is indeed lonely with no one to help & share the burden. | |
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