After the official receptions held by the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess were over, they left Darmstadt for the quiet little watering-place of Houlgate, in Normandy. The Grand Duke was only able to accompany the Grand Duchess as far as Metz, but he followed her later on with the children. The rest and quiet were good for them all; and, apparently much improved in health, the Grand Duchess returned for the first time as “mother of the country” [Landesmutter] to Darmstadt. Her reception was of the warmest and most enthusiastic nature, which she took as a good omen for the future.
The Emperor of Germany and the Crown Prince visited Darmstadt at the end of September, for the purpose of assisting at the cavalry manœuvres, to the great satisfaction of the country.
The change in Princess Alice’s position in no wise affected her relations to her many charitable institutions, though she had, of course, many new responsibilities thrown upon her. Her constant endeavor was to be just and free from prejudice, to recognize what was good, no matter where, and to promote and further it to the best of her power.
The Grand Duke and Grand Duchess saw much of the Crown Prince and Crown Princess of Germany during the latter part of the year, as they were living at Wiesbaden.
Fräulein Louise Büchner, who had been for ten years so intimately connected with the Grand Duchess, not only as working with her for the good of others, but also by ties of the truest friendship, died on the 28th of November. Her death caused a gap which was sorely felt. A few days before her death, when she was already confined to her bed, she received a letter from the Grand Duchess herself, on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the opening of the “Alice Bazaar,” thanking her for all she had done.
The Grand Duchess had caused many of the pamphlets written by Miss Octavia Hill to be translated, in the hopes of encouraging in Darmstadt the authorities, and those at the head of private undertakings, to further exertions for improving the condition of the poor.
Whilst in England she had become acquainted with Miss Octavia Hill, “the warm-hearted friend of the poor,” and had visited with her many of the poorer parts of London. She felt the sincerest admiration and respect for Miss Hill, and entirely shared her view, “that we must become the friends of the poor to be their benefactors.” The Grand Duchess did not wish to copy exactly in Germany what Miss Hill had done in London: but she hoped that the knowledge of what had been done in other places would be an incentive to work in the same direction.
At the beginning of this year the Grand Duchess had visited in strictest incognito the worst houses (in sanitary respects) in Mayence, and determined to make a plan for the erection of new dwellings for the working classes there.
Darmstadt, January 1st.
* * * How beautifully Max Müller’s letter[133] is written and expressed, and how touchingly and truly he puts the point of view on which we all should learn to stand. To become again pure as children, with a child’s faith and trust—there where our human intellect will ever stand still!