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22 August 1910 — Villa Taverna, Torno | |
Monday. 22nd [August 1910]. Today old Count Beppino Greppi came to lunch with the Tavernas– Very little changed in appearance despite his 91 years. Erect, with youthful figure, dressed in perfect English fashion, hair curled &c The only sign of age is in his missing teeth—but he speaks clearly & well & has an energetic manner. He talked in a very interesting way of old days often beginning with “I remember”. He told us he had begun life by going to Rome & was there in 1840 & described the dirt of the town & how in the house where he lodged it was difficult to pick ones way on account of the filth. That all the dirt was thrown out into the public staircase. He said that society in those days was exceedingly pleasant & that the Roman Princess received in great style. That the cardinals went every where & were very much féted & made “la pluie et le beau temps”– While we were at luncheon it became very dark & a storm threatened. The electric light had to be lit but it was soon cut off as is generally the case at the works, in order for safety. So 2 big candelabras with candles had to be brought in. The storm was severe—hight wind & some hail—when it cleared, which it soon did, the garden was found to have suffered a good deal. Before lunch I had while walking along the garden by the lake observed some very fine red geraniums the colour of wh was almost dazzling. After the storm there was not a bloom left! | |
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