The King’s lord-in-waiting then informed the Queen’s lord-in-waiting that important news[47] had just arrived, and that a special council had been called; that of course he was ready to convey the Queen’s message immediately, but he suggested whether, under these circumstances, the Queen would wish it.
[47] The Syrian question.
The Queen’s lord-in-waiting now returned to her Majesty for further instructions.
Of course the Queen, like a good wife, at once gave up the intention of accompanying her sons in their interview with the philosopher. I felt much regret at this disappointment. The Queen of Sardinia was the sister of the Grand Duke of Tuscany (Leopold II.), from whom I had, many years before, {306} when under severe affliction from the loss of a large portion of my family, received the most kind and gratifying attention.
〈THE WOVEN PORTRAIT.〉
On my road to Turin I had passed a few days at Lyons, in order to examine the silk manufacture. I was specially anxious to see the loom in which that admirable specimen of fine art, the portrait of Jacquard, was woven. I passed many hours in watching its progress.
I possessed one copy, which had been kindly given to me by a friend; but as I had proposed to visit Florence after the meeting at Turin, I wished to procure another copy to present to the Grand Duke of Tuscany.
These beautiful productions were not made for sale; but, as a favour, I was allowed to purchase one of them.
Whilst the General was giving me this illustration of Court etiquette, it occurred to me that the silken engraving would be an appropriate offering to a lady.
I therefore again asked my friend whether, consistently with the usages of the country, I might be permitted to offer the engraving to the Queen.