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24 April 1902 — Ca’ Capello, Venice | |
Thursday. 24th [April 1902]. At 10.30 I set off for Hotel Danieli for the luncheon given to her intimate friends by the Dss of Genoa. There were their Css Giustina Valmarana, Iduna Belmondo, Adl & Mme Noce, Ct & Css Revedin, Css Rombo Morosini & her father—Dr de Carlis & Dr Bressanin & one or two others. I sat on the right of the D. of Genoa & had Dr Carlis on my right a very pleasant old gentleman Dr of the Navy & with him I had much talk especially about the bad arrangements of the hospital of S.S. Giov. & Paolo & he agreed with me that great reforms are necessary. I told him how two English sailors have now been there a fortnight & have not once been washed—& that one has just died & I feared had been terribly neglected that he had, when dying been allowed to get up from his bed & sit by the open window—at wh Dr Carlis said, “& you may be thankful that he did not jump out of the window—no one knows how many do so.” After lunch we sat round the Dss of Genoa who smoked & chatted very pleasantly—giving me a chair next to her but Css Rombo Morosini pushed herself in between us & sat on the window sill, almost on the floor—not a very dignified position. The conversation chiefly ran on the Dss’ jewelry—she handed round her rings &c for general inspection & admiration– At a little after 1 the Duke called her to dress for the journey & she dismissed us to meet again at the station. We went into our gondolas—I taking Iduna Bel: & Dr Bressanin with me. We arrived at the station some time before the R.R.H.H. & waited for them in the Royal waiting room. When they arrived there was there assembled the Authorities & several other ladies besides our party & Css Persico presented to the Dss a bouquet for us all– A kind of circle was made & the Dss went round saying little words to all– To me she spoke kindly of Henry & asked about his illness &c—& it pleased me to think she had not forgotten him– At 2.15 the train carried them away & we returned home. I found my guests at luncheon. At 3 Aspasie Kwekwitsch called to ask me to go & see 2 porcelain vases which the family of Centanini want to sell. I settled to go with her on Saty at 2. Then afterwards I went off with Elaine to the V. & Murano Palace to meet Mr Hamilton & went over it with him to see what alterations & improvements he was having made for the regeneration of the establishment. After spending some time we returned home to tea. Mr Whitaker & Genl & Mrs Sartoris, also M. Guggenheim, & Dr & Mrs Robertson came to tea besides Clara & Hilda Montalba & Elaine & I accompanied them home to their door so as to have the pleasure of being with them & taking the air. | |
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