Page:Wives of the prime ministers, 1844-1906.djvu/207

MRS. GLADSTONE medley of people—clergymen, Quakers, scientific men. I dined at Mrs. Grenville's, meeting the Duchess of Sutherland, Lord and Lady Mahon, Mr. Harcourt, and Mr. Samuel Rogers. Pleased with both Duke and Duchess; she spoke so nicely and naturally about nursing her babies.

"January 31.—We dined at the Duchess of Beaufort's alone, and to Stafford House afterwards. Never so struck by that splendid house, specially the staircase, where a band was playing. Saw the King of Prussia; a strong likeness to O'Connell, with an ingenuous countenance.

"February 1.—At the Duke of Wellington's to meet the King of Prussia—the first time I had been to Apsley House—which gave me great pleasure; he sat near the pianoforte listening to the music, apparently lost to everything besides.

"February 5.—William told me something of great interest; he was harassed, and we were glad to escape quietly to pass our evening alone.

"February 6.—At St. Martin's and St. James's Churches. Before the end of the day 171