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18 November 1908 — San Antonio Palace, Malta | |
Wednesday. [18th November 1908]. The Duchess drove us into town to St Elmo to see the old chapel in which the Knights of Malta received the last Sacrament in the Siege of the Turks when they all died. We also went to see a most gruesome chapel nearby called Nibbia where all the human bones are used as decorations. The walls are painted black & the different parts of the human skeleton are nailed up in fantastic patterns. It is supposed that they use the bones of those wh came from the dissecting theatre close by. Afterwards we went to see a more edifying thing i.e. the town Museums wh contains most interesting remains, Egyptian, Phoenician, Roman & Saracen– The curator Mr Zammit who accompanied our party is a most learned & interesting person & explained his treasures in a delightful manner. After lunch when the party went to Marza to play golf & polo, I went on to Valletta with Capt. Bulkeley to call on Col. & Mrs Biancardi & found I had just hit on their “day”—& Mrs B. was receiving in state. They have a very nice house & many nice things in it. Mrs B. had known my mother & helped her to sell the “Turkish work” I used to send from Constantinople. I met there Lady Blount—whose husband was Consul Genl at Salonika & knew Henry well. She is also sister to Sir Alfred Sanderson, the chief interpreter, whom I knew so well & who has not long been dead. She is a funny old lady & wears a red wig—but is lively & pleasant. On leaving the Biancardis I went to call on Mme Pornis who was not at home—but her maid on opening the door smiled all over, & said “I know the lady we have her photograph in the drawing room!” I responded suitably & then returned in the motor to the Marza where I picked up Myles whose game of Polo was ended & brought him home. There was a large dinner party given by the Connaughts in honor of Sir Charles & Lady Drury on the occasion of their departure from Malta as the Adl has got a command at Chatham. The party was 34—& sat at 3 round tables. Genl Hamilton took me to dinner & I sat next Sir Charles Drury at the Duchess of Connaught’s table. The Duke sat at another & the ADC at the other. A regimental band played during dinner outside the window—but I confess not to have heard it at all. At dessert the Duke made a little farewell speech to the Drurys to wh the Adl replied neatly & feelingly. All regret the departure of the Drurys. The dinner was good & quickly served– In the evening the drawing room was arranged with seats on one side & on the other was the piano. An entertainment took place. The Pierrots—a company of 8 Englishmen dressed as pierrots sang glees & comic songs in a delightful manner. They sang with spirit & there were no intervals between the songs. One of the company did the piano accompaniments & the entries & exits were made thro’ the window on the verandah. All was over shortly after 11. There was a high wind & no posts arrived today wh is rather trying. | |
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