'We had with us our little nephew Salkeld,[*] whom my brother puts to Dr. Morris's school. He came in to dessert, a day the child can never forget. The King asked him many questions, which he answered distinctly, with a profound bow, and then backed away. He looked so pretty, for the awe of Royalty brought all the colour to his cheeks. I felt rather proud of him, he did it so gracefully. The Queen told him she hoped he would make as good a man as his excellent uncle. After dinner the Princess Augusta called him to her in the drawing-room, saying, "I like that little fellow's countenance; he is quite a Clitherow." She talked to him of cricket, football, and hockey, telling him when she was a little girl she played at all these games with her brother, and played cricket particularly well.
[*] He became a hero in the Indian Mutiny, losing his life in volunteering to blow up the Cashmere Gate at Delhi in 1857.
'That we are proud of this day we cordially own, for my brother is the first commoner their Majesties have so honoured; but we feel we ought not to have done it. When Jane, with her honesty, told the Queen we were not in a situation to receive such an honour, her answer was: "Mrs. Clitherow, you are making me speeches. If it is wrong I take the blame, but I was determined to dine once again at Boston House with you.'
'The absurd conjecture of people at the expence of the day to my brother induces me to tell you what it actually was, as we should be ashamed at the sum guessed at. I have made the closest calculation I possibly can, which includes fees to borrowed servants, ringers, police, carriage of things from and to London, and I have got to £44. Never was less wine drank at a dinner, and that I cannot estimate, but £6, I think, must cover that. We had two men cooks, for he brought his friend, and we got all they asked for. Really, I think we were let off very well at £50.
'And now a word of our delights at the Abbey. The good Bishop of Landaff, Copleston, gave us six reserve tickets, and we bought three. Mrs. Bullock, Jane, and myself went twice, my brother three times, and we all four went to the first rehearsal. We did enjoy it most thoroughly!
'I delight in the thought of you surrounded by your family party, and wish I could peep in. Remember us most kindly to them.
'Ever yours affectionately, 'MARY CLITHEROW.'
VII
LUNCHEON AT WINDSOR—VISITS TO WINDSOR AND ST. JAMES'S
'BOSTON HOUSE, 'August 28 [1834],